Regular Exercise Can Reduce Healthcare Costs

Researchers reviewed data on more than 26,000 Americans and found that the average adult with heart disease who exercised on a regular basis saved about $2,500 in healthcare costs in 2012. The researchers estimate that if just 20% of physically inactive heart disease patients exercised regularly, it could save the United States billions of dollars a year in healthcare costs. They also estimate that healthy individuals without heart problems who met recommended exercises guidelines saved about $500 per year in healthcare costs in 2012. Study author Dr. Khurram Nasir notes, “The message to the patient is clear: There is no better pill in reducing the risk of disease and healthcare costs than optimizing physical activity.” Journal of the American Heart Association, September 2016