Inactive Nation: Canada Urged to Address $3.9 Billion Physical Inactivity Problem
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
Despite the well-documented benefits of regular exercise, only 49% of Canadian adults and 39% of children meet recommended physical activity guidelines, according to ParticipACTION. Experts attribute the inactivity crisis to systemic challenges, including high costs, limited access to recreational spaces, and the conveniences of modern lifestyles. These barriers have collectively engineered physical activity out of daily routines.
The public health impact is staggering. Physical inactivity is associated with a heightened risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression, costing Canada $3.9 billion annually in healthcare expenses. ParticipACTION’s latest report, Change The Pace, highlights that the majority of adults living in Canada are still not meeting daily recommended physical activity levels. The report calls for increased investment and cross-sector collaboration to reverse this trend and address the barriers preventing Canadians from becoming more active.
This issue is not just a health concern but an economic and social one. Traffic congestion and insufficient active transportation options cost the nation $15 billion in lost productivity each year. Moreover, marginalized communities, including women, newcomers, and Indigenous populations, report even lower levels of physical activity, exacerbating health inequities and increasing risks of social isolation and premature death.
ParticipACTION’s recent proposal to the federal government includes three key recommendations for addressing the crisis. First, the development of an Active Canada Action Plan, implemented through a Collective Impact Model, would focus on increasing physical activity levels nationwide. Second, the creation of an Active Canada Task Force, led by the Minister of Sport and Physical Activity, would oversee progress, align efforts across sectors, and ensure accountability. Finally, a proposed $500 million Active Canada Fund over five years would provide critical financial support for initiatives aimed at fostering active lifestyles, with a portion allocated for long-term sustainability through an endowment.
Globally, the fitness industry is stepping up to push for systemic change, but challenges persist. In the United States, the proposed PHIT Act, which would allow pre-tax dollars to be used for fitness expenses, has yet to pass, leaving financial barriers in place for many Americans. Similarly, while initiatives like ukactive in the United Kingdom and AUSactive in Australia aim to integrate fitness into public health strategies, consistent funding and policy support remain hurdles. The fitness industry must advocate now more than ever, calling on governments worldwide to prioritize physical activity as a cornerstone of health policy. Without swift and decisive action, the potential to transform health outcomes and reduce economic burdens may remain unrealized.
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