Sport and physical activity creates annual savings of £10.5 billion for the NHS and social care, according to Sport England research published today (22 October).

Social value of sport and physical activity for England, estimates that sport and physical activity creates an annual social value of £107.2 billion, by relieving pressure on the NHS through the prevention of illness, reduced mental health service usage, fewer GP visits and less need for informal (unpaid) care.

In partnership with State of Life, Sheffield Hallam University and Manchester Metropolitan University, Sport England’s research measured two types of social value: the primary direct value to individuals through improved wellbeing (being happier and healthier); and the secondary wider value to society, such as savings made to the public purse.

Wellbeing value (WELLBY) is the monetary value that can be placed on happiness, health and life satisfaction. Active adults, who do more than 150 minutes of physical activity a week, enjoy the greatest wellbeing value – the equivalent of £2,500 per person a year, compared to inactive adults.

Active children and young people – aged 11 to 16 – generate a wellbeing value of £4,100 annually.

Adults who are disabled, or live with a long-term health condition, generated double the wellbeing value of an average active adult, at £5,100.

For adults who experience two or more characteristics of inequality – such as an older person with a disability – the wellbeing value generated through an active lifestyle is calculated at £3,800.

If the activity levels of the adult population rose to the same level as those living with zero characteristics of inequality, Sport England says this would be worth £15.6 billion to the economy.

It was also calculated that active lives prevent 1.3 million cases of depression; 600,000 of diabetes and 57,000 of dementia; save £540 million on reduced GP visits and £780 million on reduced mental health service use.

Wellbeing values are higher than average for many groups that are most likely to experience inequalities in participation, such as older people, people with disabilities or a long-term health condition, and people from Asian backgrounds.

Sport England chief executive, Tim Hollingsworth, says: “Our research is unequivocal in making the case for sport and physical activity to be a central part of the solutions to the issues facing our country. We build wealth through health: people playing sport and leading active lives turbo-charges wellbeing, prevents illness, relieves NHS pressure and can boost our health and economic growth.

“However, the shocking cost of inequalities in activity levels is a social and economic burden. If we can protect and invest in opportunities to play sport and be active, particularly for communities and people that face the most barriers to taking part, we will be healthier, wealthier, and happier. That’s why our 10-year strategy Uniting the Movement is laser-focused on tackling inequalities and today’s research proves again that this approach matters.”

Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, has backed the findings: “Being physically active is one of the best things we can do to stay healthy and independent throughout our lives, and sport is one of the most enjoyable ways to achieve this. The greatest health gains are from helping people who do little activity to do a bit more. This report shows that we need make it easier for particular groups to engage in physical activity including sport.”

Sports Minister, Stephanie Peacock, says: "Supporting the country to get active will be crucial in achieving our mission of building an NHS fit for the future. We are committed to giving people every opportunity to lead active lives for all the brilliant benefits it brings, helping to tackle some of the nation's most pressing health issues."

The National Sector Partners Group (NSPG), which includes Active Partnerships, CIMSPA, the Sport and Recreation Alliance, the Sport for Development Coalition, the Youth Sport Trust, and UK Active have welcomed the findings.

In a statement the group of industry leaders said: “These figures clearly show that sport, recreation and physical activity are integral to our future economic growth and critical to improving the physical and mental health and wellbeing of the nation.