IRISH SPORT MATTERS TO
HEALTH

• The World Health Organisation estimates that physical inactivity costs between €150-300 per citizen per year
• Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality (6% of deaths globally)
• Children who meet the Department of Health & Children’s guidelines of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise each day are the healthiest
• Physical inactivity is estimated to be the principal cause of 21-25% of breast & colon cancers, 27% of diabetes and 30% of heart disease
• Participation in physical activity reduces depression and anxiety, enhances mood, self-esteem and quality of life
• It is estimated that in Western Europe at least 2.5% of total national healthcare costs are attributable to inactivity
• In Finland men are living 7 years longer and women 6 following the implementation of successive physical activity strategies where 64% of women and 60% of men now participate in physical activity twice a week