A new study published in the Lancet Global Health (pdf below) has uncovered alarming trends in India’s physical activity levels, revealing that nearly half of all adults do not meet the WHO’s recommended guidelines for exercise. Shockingly, this trend is worsening, with rates of inactivity nearly doubling since 2000. The consequences are dire: by 2030, experts warn that 60% of the population could face heightened health risks due to lack of physical activity. Women are particularly affected, with 57% failing to meet exercise targets compared to 42% of men. This crisis underscores a growing health concern as India grapples with rising rates of heart disease, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases exacerbated by sedentary lifestyles and cultural norms.
According to recent data published in the Lancet Global Health, half of India’s adult population does not fulfill the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for adequate physical activity. More women (57%) than men (42%), are physically inactive. Most ominously, the frequency of insufficient physical activity among Indian people has increased dramatically, from 22.3% in 2000 to 49.4% in 2022.
This indicates that if nothing is done, by 2030, 60% of our population will be unfit and in danger of disease due to a lack of physical activity.
Why is this study significant?
WHO advises that all individuals engage in at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week (or comparable strenuous activity). Insufficient physical activity is defined as failing to complete 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, or an equivalent combination per week. According to the World Health Organization, physical inactivity increases individuals’ risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes, Type 2 diabetes, dementia, and breast and colon cancer.
India has the 12th highest rate of insufficient physical activity among 195 countries. In 2022, roughly one-third (31%) of adults worldwide, or approximately 1.8 billion people, did not meet the recommended levels of physical exercise. “This is because of many factors, including changes in work patterns (move towards more sedentary work), changes in the environment, convenient transportation modes and changes in leisure time activities (that is more screen-based/sedentary activities),” commented Dr. Rüdiger Krech, Director of Health Promotion at the World Health Organization (“WHO”). Physical inactivity was highest in the high-income Asia-Pacific region (48%) and South Asia (45%), with levels of inactivity in other regions ranging from 28% in high-income Western countries to 14% in Oceania.
Why should Indians be concerned?
Indians are genetically predisposed to developing noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease and diabetes at least a decade earlier than other populations. “Lack of physical activity means you’re exacerbating your existing risk factors. The WHO goals were set to minimize the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and some types of cancer, as well as improve mental health and immunity,” said Dr. K Srinath Reddy, a public health expert and top cardiologist. “But delayed urbanization and industrialization in some parts of the world have led to a sedentary and comfortable lifestyle, particularly South Asia (including India),” he claimed.
Can we get out of a sedentary lifestyle?
Maitreyi Bokil, a nutritionist and exercise physiologist based in Pune, believes that the most significant impediment to fitness is the mental barrier that it is just another routine in a busy day. “Begin with physical tasks that you enjoy, such as watering plants or completing household chores. Once you’ve done that regularly, go on to find a friend to go on a walk with or join a community club. “Having a pet is an excellent way to break a sedentary lifestyle,” she explains.
These are especially beneficial for those with comorbidities, who should seek medical guidance on the frequency, intensity, and type of physical exercise to pursue depending on their endurance test results.
Bokil recommends a rainbow-coloured diet. “Everyone understands the necessity of protein, carbs, and fat, but we underestimate the value of micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. They ensure that humans acquire energy from carbohydrates, protein, and fat. They also assist us in battling inflammation produced by our irregular lifestyle. So everyone should eat at least two vegetables (one cooked, one raw) at each meal and two full fruits every day,” she suggests.
Bokil cites evidence to support the notion that muscle growth may be obtained at any age. “New neuro-muscle connections can be made at any age,” says this woman.
Why are women more physically inactive than men?
Dr. Reddy noted that other studies in India have also found low levels of physical activity among women, who mistakenly feel that home responsibilities are a beneficial type of exercise. Then there are cultural hurdles. “Inactivity is most evident in middle-aged urban women,” he pointed out. According to the survey, Indian women do worse than those in nearby Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.
Dr. Fiona Bull, chief of the WHO’s physical activity unit, and epidemiology Dr. Tessa Strain linked the figures to women taking on more domestic responsibilities. “These combined with their caregiver role provide women lesser opportunities to prioritise themselves; they don’t have time and feel tired,” they said.
Recently, GreatGameIndia reported that a paper published in the BMJ found that exercise may be more effective than antidepressants in treating depression.
You can read the report below:
PIIS2214109X24001505