Nearly 50% Indian adult inactive and unfit, fails WHO guidelines: Study

Nearly 50% of Indian adults are unfit and fail to adhere to World Health Organisation recommendations for adequate physical activity, according to a study published in medical journal The Lancet Global Health. The research, conducted in 197 countries and territories from 2000 to 2022, found a significant gender disparity, with 52.6% of women and 38.4% men found physically inactive in 2022.
The most concerning aspect was the increase in the prevalence of insufficient physical activity among Indian adults, which surged from 22.4% in 2000 to 45.4% in 2022. If the trend of 2010-22 continues, levels of inactivity are projected to rise to 55% by 2030. To maintain optimal health, WHO recommends adults to engage in “150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity, or equivalent, per week”. Failing to meet these guidelines can lead to serious health consequences. Physically inactive adults are more susceptible to developing various cardiovascular diseases and face an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, dementia and breast and colon cancer.
According to Delhi-based doctors, the lack of physical activity and increased consumption of unhealthy food are among major factors contributing to the rise in lifestyle-related diseases. With everything available on mobile phones, people have stopped going to markets, further reducing physical movement. The availability of snacks and beverages within the office has also limited the need for employees to move around. This sedentary lifestyle affects all age groups.