June 26th 2024.
A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health journal revealed that almost half of the adult population in India was not engaging in enough physical activity in 2022. The research team, which included members from the World Health Organization, found that this trend was particularly prevalent among women, with significantly more women being physically inactive compared to men. In fact, on average, women in the South Asian region were 14% more likely to be insufficiently active compared to men.
The study also showed that the South Asian region ranked second highest in terms of adults being physically inactive, with only the high-income Asia Pacific region having higher rates. The authors of the study were alarmed by these findings, as they indicate that the global target of increasing physical activity engagement by 15% will not be met if current trends continue.
The researchers also looked at data from previous years and found that the number of physically inactive adults in India has been steadily increasing. In 2000, only 22% of adults were not engaging in enough physical activity, but by 2010, this number had risen to 34%. They projected that by 2030, this number could reach a staggering 60% if nothing is done to address the issue.
The team analyzed data from population-based surveys to estimate the number of physically inactive adults in 197 countries and territories from 2000 to 2022. They discovered that not only is physical inactivity a growing problem among younger adults, but it is also becoming increasingly prevalent among older adults aged 60 and above.
The consequences of physical inactivity are serious, as it increases the risk of developing non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. The World Health Organization has also noted that this, along with the trend of leading more sedentary lifestyles, is putting a strain on healthcare systems worldwide. A study published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology journal estimated that in 2021, 101 million people in India were diabetic, 315 million had hypertension, 254 million were obese, and 185 million had high levels of "bad" cholesterol.
The findings of this study serve as a wake-up call for individuals and governments alike. It is crucial to prioritize physical activity and make it a part of our daily routines to prevent the rise of non-communicable diseases and promote overall health and well-being.
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