Physical inactivity costs Western Sydney $1.5 billion a year and increases health risks, new report finds

Western Sydney is grappling with a physical inactivity crisis, with more than 40% of adults not being active enough – compared to less than 30% in other parts of Sydney – according to a new report from Western Sydney University’s Western Sydney Center and WSYD Moving.

In addition, the report shows physical inactivity costs Western Sydney’s economy approximately $1.5 billion a year in health burden, lost productivity and mortality.

Launched today, the report, Addressing Inactivity and Inequity in Western Sydney: A Systems Approach, sheds light on the barriers faced by Western Sydney communities and sets out a plan to achieve more equitable health outcomes through active living.

The Australian Heart Foundation estimates that insufficient exercise is a risk factor for 72–76% of heart disease in Western Sydney, compared to 52–65% in the rest of Sydney.

In addition, Western Sydney residents suffer from higher rates of diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease, with approximately 13% of Western Sydney’s population estimated to have type 2 diabetes.

The report makes five key recommendations to remove systemic barriers and build on the strengths of the Western Sydney region:

• Take a systemic approach to combating inaction in Western Sydney
• Prioritizing a preventive health program focused on an active lifestyle
• Remove cultural and community-specific barriers to activity
• Invest and activate spaces in the most marginalized areas.
• Empowering systemic leadership at the local level

The report’s lead researcher, Dr Angela Smith, from Western Sydney University’s Western Sydney Centre, said the report’s findings indicate Western Sydney residents face a range of inequalities and barriers to engaging in physical activity.

“These disparities relate to structural barriers such as socioeconomic status, time constraints, cost of living concerns, caring responsibilities and limited access to inclusive recreational facilities and programs to serve Western Sydney’s diverse population,” Dr Smith said.

“Western Sydney residents face other barriers such as poor transport links, limited walkability and high vulnerability to heat.”

Lead author of the report, David Burns of WSYD Moving, emphasized the importance of a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach to address this entrenched problem.

“Physical activity is ultimately an issue of equality. It’s not just about individual choice; it’s about how the system works. Our report is a call for greater cross-sector collaboration,” Burns said.

“This is an issue that requires strategic investment to ensure everyone can enjoy the benefits of sport, recreation and physical activity.”

Dr Rhonda Itawi, director of the Western Sydney Centre, said this new collaboration with WSYD Moving is critical to addressing inactivity in the Western Sydney region.

“The region’s diverse and growing population deserves equal access to resources that support active lifestyles. By working together, we can create an environment where everyone in Western Sydney can thrive through physical activity, sport and recreation,” Dr Itawi said.

“Quantifying the cost of inaction and proposing the systemic plan needed to truly address these problems is vital to reducing inequalities and developing inclusive communities.”

Courtesy of Western Sydney University