He then computed the costs related to only a sedentary lifestyle. The damage done by lack of exercise was huge. The estimate is based on the CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. And it could be higher, for a number of reasons. Also, other medical conditions that the study did not analyze could affect total cost, Colditz said.
Food is everywhere.
Colditz' earlier work examined the health care costs of obesity. That research prompted ACSM officials to ask him to do a similar study on exercise, he said. When he did the exercise project, he also updated his figures on obesity. The public health burden of inactivity and obesity is substantial,'' it said. Colditz, however, focuses on being more active as the best way to attack the problem.