BOSTON, MA—June 23, 2022—In a first-of-its-kind advocacy report, the health and fitness industry targets governments to assist policymakers in making preferable decisions related to health and well-being and to improve population health and productivity worldwide.
Commissioned by IHRSA and the Global Health & Fitness Alliance (GHFA) and produced by Deloitte, the Economic Health & Societal Well-being: Quantifying the Impact of the Global Health & Fitness Sector Global Report report analyzes the economic and socioeconomic impact of the global health and fitness industry. Covering roughly 90% of global GDP—when including the countries and regions in the recently released MENA report—this report is a significant resource to highlight the immense value the global industry provides.
“The research covered in the reports is a critical landmark for the health and fitness industry, governments, and workplaces globally, it clearly shows the economic impact of inactivity through evidential data,” said Andrea Bell, chair of the GHFA Advisory Council and co-founder, director, and chief people officer of Inspire Brands Asia.
“Every single country in the report has a quantifiable number that shows annual economic savings of those who are physically active, and access to health and fitness facilities undoubtedly has a profound impact on activity levels. Adding a dollar value to inactivity is a significant achievement in the GHFA’s quest for the industry to be recognized as a valuable contributor and solution provider to the global health continuum.”
Improving population health is the health and fitness industry’s main objective. Health and fitness clubs, gyms, and studios are well equipped to improve global population health and wellness, which can save billions yearly and boost productivity. This report allows the industry to properly educate decision makers to find the most logical and effective solution to overall wellness and healthcare in every part of the world.
The full report details the health and fitness industry’s economic and social impact in 46 countries. Individual country or region reports are also available. Topics covered in each report include:
Direct and indirect GDP value,
Employment contributions,
Population benefits of physical activity,
Healthcare cost of inactivity,
Potential healthcare savings,
Industry and policy examples to promote physically active lifestyles, and more.
Economic Health & Societal Well-being: Quantifying the Impact of the Global Health & Fitness Sector individual country reports are $495 each for non-members and free to all IHRSA members. Visit IHRSA or the GHFA website to browse and download or purchase the reports.
The full report is available by request only, contact ghfa@ihrsa.org for more information.
About IHRSA
IHRSA, the Global Health & Fitness Association, is a not-for-profit trade association representing the global fitness industry of over 200,000 health and fitness facilities and their suppliers. Founded in 1981, IHRSA maintains a leadership role in advancing physical activity, which is critical for peak health and to fight the battle against obesity and chronic lifestyle diseases.
As the world's leading authority on the commercial health and fitness club industry, IHRSA’s mission is to grow, promote, and protect the health and fitness industry, while providing its members with benefits and resources. IHRSA is the publisher of Club Business International, the leading monthly magazine for the global fitness industry. IHRSA's 41st International Convention & Trade Show will be hosted from June 22-24, 2022, in Miami Beach, FL.
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About the GHFA
The Global Health & Fitness Alliance (GHFA) was founded by IHRSA in November 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Its mission is to reposition the health and fitness sector in the eyes of global governments and health bodies, definitively confirming it as an essential and vital service and a key contributor in the preventative healthcare continuum.
The GHFA is a proactive, globally representative alliance that brings together CEOs, C-suite industry stakeholders, and influencers from across the health and fitness sector.
The Alliance represents the entire global health and fitness club industry while funding research and advocacy to ensure the sector’s essential role is first recognized and then realized, working as a team and in cooperation with the relevant authorities.
The GHFA is led and operated by IHRSA and supported by worldwide organizations—ICREPS, national industry associations, club companies, and suppliers—but operates as a fully inclusive alliance open to all who meet the criteria. All applications are reviewed to ensure global representation, thought leadership, and authority move at pace.
About Deloitte
Deloitte is a leading professional services firm providing audit and assurance, tax and business advisory, consulting, financial advisory, and risk advisory services to nearly 90% of the Fortune Global 500 and thousands of private companies. Its professionals deliver measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in capital markets, enable clients to transform and thrive, and lead the way toward a stronger economy, a more equitable society, and a sustainable world. Building on its 175-plus year history, Deloitte spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte’s more than 345,000 people worldwide make an impact that matters at deloitte.com.
