Costs of physical inactivity in West Virginia.
OBJECTIVE
Estimate the costs of physical inactivity in West Virginia, a rural, Appalachian state of less than 2 million people.


METHODS
Using the most recent year in which complete data were available and a previously developed algorithm, we estimated the costs of physical inactivity in the state of West Virginia.


METHODS
West Virginia.


METHODS
Adults in West Virginia.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Total annual costs associated with physical inactivity as well as costs associated with medical care, workers' compensation, and lost worker productivity. Cost estimates were also calculated based on a decrease in physical inactivity of 5%.


RESULTS
In 2005, the total estimated annual costs associated with physical inactivity were $1,309,544,068, ($1,060,383,138 from lost worker productivity, $245,631,484 from medical care, and $3,528,446 from workers' compensation). With a decrease of 5% in the prevalence of physical inactivity, total annual costs were reduced by $108,048,190 ($87,490,440 from lost worker productivity, $20,266,624 from medical care, and $291,126 from workers' compensation). Overall total cost savings were equivalent to a relative reduction of 8.25%.


CONCLUSIONS
The costs associated with physical inactivity in the state of West Virginia are high. Improved efforts should be made to decrease the prevalence of physical inactivity in West Virginia adults.
Kelley
George A
GA
School of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine, West Virginia University, USA.
Kelley
Kristi S
KS
D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011634:Public Health / Q000191:economics*; D014903:West Virginia; D014942:Workers' Compensation