[Exercise Behavior, Costs of Physical Inactivity, and Physical Activity Promotion in Austria]

In this article, we present the Austrian data on physical activity, the societal costs and outcomes of physical inactivity, and the areas of influence to promote physical activity. Based on an analysis of the status quo and its consequences, suggestions on relevant measures to counter physical inactivity are made. While the proportion of Austrians that do not fulfill the current recommendations on physical activity is high, the Austrian population is physically more active than many populations of other countries. In Austria, major differences in physical activity are associated with demographic, socio-economic, and geographic factors. The economic burden related to physical inactivity is considerable, with regard to both societal costs and outcomes. This includes major health and social care costs, productivity losses (estimated at around 248 million Euro in 2017 in Austria), and life years lost due to premature death. Evidence-based areas of influence to increase physical activity include kindergartens and schools, the workplace, communities, cities, long-term care facilities, and nature.