In today’s high-paced, technology-driven world, we often overlook a form of accessible medicine: nature. Recent research from the European Centre for Environment and Human Health at the University of Exeter has revealed something remarkable—engaging in outdoor physical activity could save thousands of lives and billions in healthcare costs. But how does a simple stroll through the woods or a jog along the beach lead to such astounding benefits?
The study focused on six major non-communicable diseases (NCDs): ischaemic heart disease (IHD), ischaemic stroke (IS), type 2 diabetes (T2D), colon cancer (CC), breast cancer (BC), and major depressive disorder (MDD). These illnesses are some of the most common and burdensome, affecting millions of people globally. However, the research team discovered that something as simple as a brisk walk in the park could prevent thousands of cases annually.
Using data from the Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment (MENE) survey, which involved over 47,000 adults across England, the researchers analyzed how nature-based physical activity could reduce disease incidence. They estimated the potential healthcare savings by comparing current disease rates with those that could be achieved if people were more physically active in nature.
The results were astonishing. The study found that if people regularly engaged in outdoor physical activity, it could prevent 550 cases of ischaemic heart disease, 168 cases of ischaemic stroke, 1,410 cases of type 2 diabetes, 41 cases of colon cancer, 37 cases of breast cancer, and a staggering 10,552 cases of major depressive disorder annually. These findings translate into healthcare savings of nearly £108.7 million each year.
The highest savings came from preventing cases of major depressive disorder, which accounted for £92.7 million. Type 2 diabetes followed, with £11.1 million saved, and ischaemic heart disease contributed another £2.9 million. These numbers illustrate the incredible potential of nature-based physical activity in reducing the burden of chronic disease.
But what exactly qualifies as nature-based physical activity? According to the researchers, it encompasses anything from brisk walking and jogging to cycling and hiking, as long as it’s done in natural environments like parks, forests, beaches, or even countryside fields. The key takeaway is that these activities don’t need to be intense. In fact, even a slight increase in weekly outdoor activity can significantly reduce disease cases and healthcare costs.
The researchers explored hypothetical scenarios where more people embraced the outdoors to understand how much further nature-based physical activity could improve public health. They imagined what would happen if one-fifth of current visitors to natural environments increased their activity to at least 10 mMET-hours per week (roughly the equivalent of 150 minutes of moderate exercise). This scenario would prevent an additional 2.1 million people from developing chronic diseases, resulting in £129.4 million in healthcare savings.
In another scenario, if the number of people visiting natural environments increased by 20% while maintaining similar activity levels, it would prevent 15,305 disease cases annually and save £130.4 million.
These findings underscore the vital role that nature can play in improving public health. With healthcare systems worldwide under increasing strain, embracing the great outdoors could be a low-cost, high-impact solution to reducing the prevalence of chronic diseases.
Urban planners and governments have a crucial role to play. Cities need to prioritize the development of green spaces like parks, community gardens, and waterfronts. Policy initiatives should encourage outdoor activities through public campaigns and community programs. By making nature more accessible and inclusive, particularly to marginalized communities, we can help bridge the health disparity gap and provide people with a natural path to better health.
As we continue to uncover the mysteries of nature’s healing power, the message becomes clear: nature offers more than just beauty—it’s a powerful ally in our fight against chronic disease. So, the next time you’re considering a workout, grab your walking shoes or bike and head out to the nearest park. Your body, mind, and wallet will thank you.
References:
- Grellier, J., et al. (2024). “Valuing the Health Benefits of Nature-Based Recreational Physical Activity in England.” Environment International, 187, 108667.
- Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment (MENE) Survey (2019).
- World Health Organization (2020). “Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour.”
