NHS could save £15b annually if inactive adult population boosted activity

Vitality research shows

Jaskeet Briah
clock • 2 min read

The NHS could save £15 billion annually if half of the UK’s inactive adult population began consistently walking 5,000 steps once a week and if those who have poor exercise habits began consistently walking 5,000 steps three times per week, Vitality has found.

Vitality's research, The Habit Index, published today (12 March), was conducted with the London School of Economics and looked at the habits of over one million Vitality members across South Africa and the UK over a 10-year period, to understand how to make healthier habits and displace unhealthy habits. Positive impacts following small changes to create and sustain healthier habits were seen at all age groups. People aged over 65 experienced a 52% reduction in their mortality risk after sustaining a habit of 7,500 steps three or more times a week, while those aged 45-65 saw a 38% reduct...

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