Londoners spending 146 million more hours watching sport than breaking a sweat

The UK’s fascination with sport has seen people rack up more hours watching sporting activities than partaking in them.
Statistics from the British Heart Foundation (BHF) revealed that people in London spend 146 million more hours watching sport than breaking a sweat each year.

London spends a total of £2.1 billion a year on consuming sport, the equivalent of £304 per person. This amount includes the like of TV subscriptions, sports streaming services, tickets to live games and playing sport-based computer games.

In contrast to the £2 billion a year, £297 per person, on taking part in sport, such as gym memberships, sports clothes equipment and event participation.
With the Winter Olympic Games finishing last month, the World Cup set to kick off in June this year and the Ryder Cup starting in September this year is set to be filled with major sporting events all available for the British public to watch.

 

 

In an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OCED) 2017 report Britain were labelled as the most overweight country in Western Europe.
Obesity rates have doubled over the past two decades and 63% of UK adults overweight according to the OCED study.

The BHF are urging Londoners to sign up to their iconic London to Brighton bike ride on Sunday 17 June in an attempt to get the public to participate in more sporting activities.
Elizabeth Tack, Event Lead for the BHF’s London to Brighton Bike Ride, said: “Our infatuation with sport is clear to see, but breaking a sweat is clearly the less-preferred option, with participation taking a back seat to watching and listening to sport.

“The technology takeover is in full effect, so it’s time to ditch the devices and take on our London to Brighton Bike Ride, which will help support our vital research into heart disease. With 720,000 people living with heart and circulatory disease in London, every pound you raise will help make a difference to millions.
“Don’t just cheer your favourite athlete on from the side line or in front of a screen – get involved yourself and be a part of an inspiring and fun-filled day out for all the family.”