New evidence suggests that regular physical activity in natural environments can help prevent the development of non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes and depression.
A study from the University of Exeter found that being active in nature could prevent just under 13,000 cases of non-communicable diseases each year in England, saving more than £100 million in treatment costs.
Non-communicable diseases account for nearly three-quarters of deaths worldwide.
Non-communicable diseases are also known as chronic diseases and examples include type 2 diabetes, depression, cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic lung disease and stroke.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), if the global population does not increase its physical activity intake, there will be approximately 500 million new cases of non-communicable diseases by 2030.
In the study, researchers looked at the benefits of exercising in parks on the coast, in the countryside, and in towns and cities.
First author Dr James Grelier said: “This is the first time such an evaluation has been carried out on a national scale and it almost certainly underestimates the true value of nature-based physical activity in terms of disease prevention.”
“We've focused on the six most common non-communicable diseases, but there are also several less common diseases that can be prevented by physical activity, such as other types of cancer and mental illnesses.”
He added: “It is important to note that our estimates represent annual costs; because chronic diseases can affect people for many years, the overall value of physical activity in preventing each case is undoubtedly much higher.”
According to the WHO, to stay healthy, adults between the ages of 18 and 64 should aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, per week.
Data shows that more than a quarter of adults worldwide are not meeting these recommendations.
A study conducted by the University of Exeter revealed that nature-based physical activity could fight 12,763 cases of non-communicable diseases.
Dr Grellier said: “For people who lack the opportunity, motivation or confidence to take part in organised sport or fitness activities, nature-based physical activity is a much more widely available and informal option.”
“We believe our study should motivate decision makers who want to increase physical activity among their local residents to invest in parks and other natural spaces to make it easier for people to be physically active.”
Read the study in the journal Environment International.
