earticle

영어

Purpose: Physical inactivity is a major cause of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). In Korea, rates of physical inactivity are high, like a “pandemic of physical inactivity”. This study aims to identify the nature of exercise goods in terms of private and public goods and examines how they are utilized in Korea. Methods: Starting with the Exercise is Medicine (EIM) campaign abroad, research proving the effectiveness of exercise in treating diseases is accumulating. In this study, EIM is covered as a case of the private goods of exercise. The Community Health Promotion Project included the value of exercise as a public good. Results: EIM campaigns have the characteristics of club goods, though exercise is prescribed as an additional service limited to some medical institutions in Korea, resulting in privatization. On the other hand, the value of exercise as a public good has been investigated through the Community Health Promotion Project; however, the actual program operation is insignificant as there is no explicit provision regarding exercise in the National Health Promotion Act. Conclusion: To prevent and treat NCDs, encouraging people to exercise is necessary. However, in Korea, the value of exercise is not reflected in the medical insurance fee or the National Health Promotion Act; therefore, there is no basis for operating the service. To solve the physical inactivity problem in Korea, it is an urgent priority to systematically reflect on the value of exercise in the national governance plan.