Exercise is critical. Everyone knows that by now. Whethere you indulge in it or not, increasingly exercise is being recognised not merely as a way to maintain physical fitness or achieve aesthetic goals but as a crucial component of healthcare. Particularly when it comes to managing and preventing various health conditions. This shift in thinking, often referred to as “Exercise as Medicine,” is becoming more prominent. Many healthcare frameworks integrate physical activity as a primary preventative solution alongside traditional medical treatments.
Rising Pharmaceutical Costs in the UK
The cost of pharmaceuticals to taxpayers in the UK has been a significant concern, with spending on branded medicines rising sharply in recent years. In 2023, the UK government increased the levy on branded medicines under the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access (VPAS) from 9.6% to 26.5%, driven by higher sales growth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This increase has led to concerns that drug manufacturers may reduce investment in the UK or withdraw from the market altogether, potentially delaying access to new treatments for NHS patients. In 2022, pharmaceutical spending in the UK was approximately £17.8 billion, and this cost is projected to grow as the population ages and the demand for medications continues to rise.
| Category | Examples | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Checkups | Physical exams, dental checkups, screenings (e.g., mammograms, colonoscopies) | Early detection of health problems, prevention of diseases, and overall health maintenance. |
| Immunisations | Vaccines against diseases like influenza, measles and polio | Protection against contagious diseases, reducing the spread of illness, and safeguarding public health. |
| Healthy Lifestyle | Balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress management | Reduced risk of chronic diseases, improved mental and physical health with increased longevity. |
| Risk Factor Reduction | Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, managing weight | Prevention of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other health problems. |
| Environmental Health | Safe living conditions, clean water, air pollution control | Protection against environmental hazards and promotion of overall well-being. |
Exercise as a Health Management Tool
The concept of using exercise as a health management tool is gaining traction, particularly for its role in chronic disease management and mental health. Exercise is shown to be as effective, if not more so, than some medications for conditions such as depression and anxiety. This understanding has pushed exercise to the forefront of mental health treatment discussions, promoting it as a non-pharmacological option that can significantly improve quality of life.
In managing chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, regular physical activity has been demonstrated to reduce the need for medication and lower healthcare costs. This approach emphasises preventive care through exercise, positioning it as a first-line treatment rather than a supplementary activity. For older adults, targeted exercise programs can improve mobility, balance, and strength, reducing the risk of falls and enhancing cognitive function. This not only extends life expectancy but also improves the quality of those additional years.
Integration into Healthcare Settings
The movement towards integrating exercise into healthcare settings means that fitness professionals have to work alongside doctors, nurses, and therapists. A little like how exercise was compulsory in school. So it should also be compulsory in our every day life. This integration aims to provide “exercise prescriptions” tailored to individual health needs, much like traditional medication prescriptions. Certified fitness professionals are increasingly being called upon to specialise in health-related exercise, allowing them to work in clinical settings and provide direct support to patients.
Technology plays a crucial role in this integration, with wearable devices and health apps used for tracking and monitoring exercise. These tools provide real-time data that can help adjust exercise plans based on patient progress, ensuring a personalised approach to treatment.
Broader Implications and Challenges
The cultural shift towards viewing exercise as medicine has many implications for public health. Perhaps too many. Workplaces and communities are increasingly promoting physical activity, recognising that active lifestyles can lead to better productivity, reduced healthcare costs, and improved overall community health. Educational initiatives like Exercise is Medicine on Campus (EIM-OC) are aimed at embedding this philosophy into the training of future healthcare professionals, ensuring that the next generation of doctors views exercise as a vital component of health management.
However, the integration of exercise into traditional healthcare models faces several challenges. These include bureaucratic hurdles, the need for cultural change within the medical community, and ensuring equitable access to exercise-based interventions regardless of socio-economic status. Additionally, while there is substantial evidence supporting the benefits of exercise, ongoing research is necessary to refine how exercise can be most effectively prescribed and integrated into medical treatment plans.
The Benefits of Exercising Later in Life
Statistics show that the reward of exercise always benefits health outcomes, especially in older adults. Similarly, studies show that even late-starters can engage in physical activities that carry similar beneficial health effects with reduced chronic disease risk, improved mental health, and overall longevity. Regular physical activity has been associated with decreased rates of heart disease, diabetes, and even certain cancers among older adults. Other positive effects of exercise include increased mental clarity, a decrease in symptoms of depression and anxiety, and an improved quality of life.
The Exercise as Medicine movement places exercise at the very center of medical care to prevent disease, not just a supplementary activity that may or may not be added to the ends. Integration of exercise within normal practice for standard care presents a hopeful direction forward in the struggle of these health systems to curtail the crisis of rising pharmaceutical costs and their repercussions from chronic diseases, focusing on prevention, personalization, and a holistic approach toward health and wellness. Is that not swell for the future?