The research, conducted by Discovery Vitality, looked at more than 300,000 participants over a five-year period. The study examined the changes in participation in verified fitness activities and the impact on hospital claims over five years among members of Discovery Health medical plan.
The study found the percentage of Vitality members using the gym one or more times a week increased by almost 23 percent. The percentage of members who joined the gym but were “inactive” decreased by eight percent, and there was an increase in members classified as “medium-engaged” and “high-engaged” in fitness-related activities.
According to the study, two additional gym visits per week reduced the probability of hospital admission by 13 percent. Hospital costs were also six percent lower in members who were inactive and became active, and 16 percent lower in members who were active throughout the study compared to those who remained inactive.
Read the Discovery Vitality release on wellness programs.
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