Global study shows how fitter SA bodies could lead to a fitter SA economy
Drickus Maartens • November 6, 2019
Ground-breaking global study shows how fitter SA bodies could lead to a fitter SA economy with potential growth of $500 million (+R7 billion) a year
The results of a ground-breaking academic study on the relationship between global economic growth and exercise, carried out by Vitality and RAND Europe, reveal significant benefits to the economy and life expectancy if physical activity levels increase globally.
The study finds that the world’s GDP would gain more than USD$100bn (£80bn or R1,5trn) each year until 2050 if people:
- walked 15 minutes more a day;
- did a slow jog of half a mile (one kilometre) a day, or;
- took 1 500 extra steps a day.
The economic improvement arises from lower mortality rates (more people alive and contributing to the economy), reduced absenteeism, and lower presenteeism driven by the impact of physical activity on mental health.
Dinesh Govender, Discovery Vitality
Chief Executive, says; “Physical inactivity, and the devastating impact it has on people’s quality of life, mortality and morbidity, is one of the key public health challenges we face. Considering that 28% of the global population are not physically active enough – 38% in South Africa – Vitality’s commitment to get people moving is more relevant than ever.”
Vitality has been successfully incentivising people to lead fitter and healthier lives and ultimately transforming the way insurance works, for over 20 years. The insurers connected by Vitality, now collectively accountable for more than 35% of the world’s individual protection market, are committed to addressing significant global challenges like inactivity. This is evidenced by the network’s commitment last year to make 100 million people 20% more active by 2025.
In South Africa specifically, Vitality has over many years designed interventions that have a tangible impact on health outcomes. Govender said; “In 2015, we pioneered a step-change in how people tracked their physical activity and health with our Vitality Active Rewards with Apple Watch benefit. Vitality members bought over 231 000 fitness devices in 2019 alone.”
Independent research has validated the efficacy of incentives combined with a behaviour-change programme. “In 2018, we released the largest study on behaviour change and incentives with RAND Europe. This study showed that members with Vitality Active Rewards and Apple Watch were 34% more active – illustrating the power of incentives designed to achieve lasting behaviour change,” Govender explains.
Similarly, the 2019 study aims to further deepen the global understanding of the real economic impact of a physically inactive population. It assesses how different physical activity improvement scenarios may affect the economy of countries up to 2050 and shows the significant influence of regular exercise on economic growth, workforce productivity and life expectancy.
Govender continues: “This ground-breaking study provides proof of the relationship between exercise, productivity, mortality and economic growth. It strengthens our resolve to continue to encourage people to Move More and become part of a global health movement.”
Some of the findings show that:
- If the physically inactive were to reach the World Health Organization’s recommended levels of exercise, employees would gain up to five additional days of productive time each year, and the global economy would grow by an estimated $220bn every year.
- Life expectancy could increase by at least 2.5 years, on average, for a person aged 40 years in this scenario.
- In addition to getting inactive people active, if those currently active increased their physical activity levels by 20%, the global economy could grow by in excess of $360bn every year; equivalent to the size of Singapore’s economy. Economic gains for the US economy would $95bn (£73bn) a year until 2050, and $11bn (£8.5bn) a year for the UK economy, in this scenario.
- Economic gains can be attributed to the reduction of premature deaths in the working age population, improving rates of sick leave and improved levels of workplace productivity associated with regular exercise.
Hans Pung, President of RAND Europe, comments on the significance of the study; “This is the first time that a multi-country macroeconomic model has been applied to the area of physical activity, facilitating a detailed assessment of the current and future implications of insufficient physical activity.”
Pung also highlights the relevance for policymakers and employers, “The study points to a significant relationship between inactivity and productivity loss, driven largely by ill-health related presenteeism. We hope that these insights will support policy makers and employers with new perspectives on how to enhance the productivity of their populations.”
For South Africa, the positive knock-on effect on the economy of an increase in physical activity, is equally acute. The RAND study shows that if South Africa succeeds in getting 20% of adults more active over the next 30 years, the average GDP will increase by USD$500 million; and if all inactive people reach the minimum WHO physical activity levels, GDP will increase by between USD$1.6 and USD$2.1 billion.
Dr Shikar Mothilal, respiratory specialist, explains how pulmonary fibrosis affects lung function and why early intervention matters.
HPV prevention saves lives and eases healthcare burdens. “Everyone benefits when more women are vaccinated,” says Dr Nono Ledwaba-Mweli.
Obstetrician-gynaecologist Dr Mokgohloe Phasha stresses the importance of sleep during pregnancy.
Ten-year-old Alondwe Ngwenya was, until recently, a child set apart by large, painful tumours disfiguring one side of his face and his foot, holding him back from his greatest passion in life: soccer.
Dr Muhammed Ra’ees Vally explains why children are more susceptible to ear infections and shares tips on recognising the signs and preventing complications.
“Mould exposure, particularly in poorly ventilated indoor environments, can lead to a variety of health symptoms — especially for individuals with underlying respiratory conditions, allergies, or weakened immune systems,” warns Dr Raisa Bhikoo, a pulmonologist and specialist physician.
For many first-time mothers, the idea of weaning can feel overwhelming. paediatric neonatologist Dr Letlhogonolo Sepeng from Netcare Park Lane Hospital offers guidance to help navigate this transition.
Cardiothoracic surgeon and founder of the Young Hearts Africa Foundation, Dr Wilhelm Lichtenberg, has made it his life’s purpose to reach children with life-threatening heart defects like Baby Kendreya Pillay's before it is too late. Since its inception in 2023, the foundation has helped 30 children.
Focus on the Workforce this Winter
Urologists Dr Hannes Brummer and Dr Johan Coetzee, who practise at Netcare Greenacres Hospital, are encouraging men to prioritise prostate cancer screening this Men’s Health Month.
