A groundbreaking study reveals that eliminating physical activity disparities between boys and girls aged 6-17 in the United States could result in healthcare savings of approximately $780 million per cohort. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, suggests even greater potential savings of $1.55 billion if sports participation gaps are addressed.
The study, conducted by researchers from CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, highlights concerning differences in activity levels between male and female youth. Data shows only 15% of girls in grades 9-11 meet aerobic guidelines, compared to 31% of boys. Sports participation also reveals a gender gap, with 54.1% of girls participating versus 60.4% of boys.
Using advanced computational modeling, researchers simulated daily physical activities, health impacts, and potential chronic conditions across the U.S. youth population. The model tracked virtual representations of children aged 6-17, analyzing how reducing gender disparities could affect healthcare costs over time.
The research team suggests that addressing sports participation inequalities may be the most practical approach to narrowing this activity gap. Schools and athletic associations offer established platforms for implementation, while additional funding sources through recreation centers and community partnerships could support such initiatives.
"Girls often face fewer opportunities and less social support in sports, particularly during high school," explains Jessie Heneghan, senior analyst and study co-author. "Our findings demonstrate that investing in increased girls' sports participation can be justified by the resulting cost savings."
The study adds compelling economic evidence to support targeted interventions aimed at promoting equal physical activity opportunities across genders, potentially benefiting both public health and healthcare systems in the long term.
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