Health Effects

Christoph Breuer () and Thomas Breuer ()
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Christoph Breuer: German Sport University Cologne, Institute of Sport Economics and Sport Management
Thomas Breuer: German Sport University Cologne, Institute of Sport Economics and Sport Management

Chapter Chapter 6 in The Value of Sport, 2026, pp 101-120 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract This chapter examines the health effects of sports and physical activities, as well as their economic relevance. A wealth of medical and sports science evidence demonstrates that regular physical activity substantially decreases the likelihood of developing major chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, osteoporosis, certain cancers, and mental health disorders. Furthermore, it enhances quality of life, life satisfaction, and subjective well-being. However, a large proportion of the population does not meet WHO activity recommendations. From an economic perspective, insufficient physical activity leads to high direct healthcare expenditures and indirect productivity losses, whereas regular exercise generates considerable savings. International studies estimate the annual costs of inactivity in the billions and highlight the rising costs due to demographic aging. At the same time, organized sports, particularly sports clubs, play an important preventive role by providing structured, health-oriented programs.

Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:semchp:978-3-032-21510-9_6

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-21510-9_6

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