May 22, 2003

Cost of physical inactivity in Michigan, $8.9 billion; cost to each Michigan adult, $1,175; quality of life resulting from regular physical activity, priceless. 

A study released today by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports reports that physical inactivity in Michigan is costing $8.9 billion dollars a year including direct and indirect cost of medical care (including Medicaid), workers’ compensation and lost productivity.  If current trends continue, it is expected that the cost of physical inactivity will increase by 42% to $12.65 billion by 2007. 

“When I appointed the first-ever Surgeon General for the state, I made it clear that improving the health of the citizens of Michigan was a priority for my administration,” said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm.  “This study clearly demonstrates how much physical inactivity costs the state financially and we know the toll it takes on families in the form of illness and preventable deaths.” 

The study, completed by Dr. David Chenoweth of Health Management Associates of New Bern, North Carolina is a conservative estimate of the actual costs of physical inactivity.  Estimates are based on 2002 data provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Medicaid data provided by the Michigan Department of Community Health.

“Overall, the cost analysis is conservative due to several factors,” said Dr. Chenoweth.  “Although it essentially captured primary medical care costs, it does not include prescription medication costs tied to specific conditions associated with physical inactivity or any costs for persons under 18 years of age.”

“Just looking at Medicaid expenditures alone, this study estimates that physically inactive lifestyles costs the State of Michigan an estimated $69 million,” said Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health, Janet Olszewski.  “When you consider this is roughly equal to the cost of putting a school nurse in every public middle and high school in the State of Michigan, you can easily understand how crucial it is to work together to improve the health of our citizens.”

According to Michigan’s 2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Survey, 55.2% or 4.18 million Michiganders fail to meet the U.S. Surgeon General’s recommendations for physical activity.  Adults are considered to be physically active if they participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five or more days per week.  If just 1 in 20 sedentary adults became physically active, a cost avoidance of $575 million per year over the next four years can be realized.  This equates to jobs for over 15,400 new employees.

“It’s time for Michigan to make a long term commitment to promotion of physical activity and healthy living,” said Dr. Charles Kuntzleman, Governors Council Chair.  “Sadly, the issue that gets our attention is the economic burden sedentary living places on our employers and state government.  The real tragedy is the loss of quality of life for our citizens.  Quality of life is priceless.”

The release of this study was timed to coincide with Michigan’s first statewide conference on Designing Healthy Livable Communities.  Organized by the Michigan Department of Community Health and several partners including the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, the conference seeks to assist communities in creating environments that support physical activity as part of every day routine lifestyles. 

“The enthusiasm and support of our partners at the local, state and federal levels is crucial in our efforts to tackle the problem of physical inactivity,” said Michigan Department of Community Health Surgeon General, Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom.  “As Surgeon General, I will be working closely with communities, businesses, local health organizations and others to raise awareness on this vital issue.”

Ms. Marla Hollander, Director of the Leadership for Active Living National Initiative sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and a conference sponsor, commented, “the climbing obesity and diabetes rates in this country and in Michigan are a wake up call.  Leaders in Michigan and throughout the country have to step up to the plate and lead efforts to provide citizens what they deserve—more walkable and healthier communities.”

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm presented awards to sixteen Michigan communities at an award’s luncheon during the conference. All award winners have completed the Governor’s Council Promoting Active Communities Award, a self-assessment tool that evaluates the policies, programs and infrastructure that exists in support of active lifestyles within that community environment.  Points are earned for policies and planning, pedestrian and bicycle safety and facilities, community resources, worksites, schools and public transportation.

The 2003 winners are:
· Level 2:  Cadillac, Ionia, Midland, Pittsfield Charter Township, Village of Webberville
· Level 3:  Alpena, Ann Arbor, Canton, Grand Rapids, Jackson, Marquette, Port Huron, Sault Ste. Marie, Van Buren Township
· Level 4:  Ishpeming, Meridian Charter Township

The study on the cost of physical inactivity was funded by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness; Michigan Department of Community Health; National Governor’s Association Center for Best Practices; Michigan Health and Hospital Association; Michigan State University Extension Family and Consumer Sciences; Michigan State Medical Society; Michigan Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; American Cancer Society; Michigan Department of Education and the American Heart Association.

For a copy of the Executive Summary of the study, contact the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports at 1-800-434-8642 or visit their website at www.michiganfitness.org.