A recent study published in the Lancet Global Health found that about half of Indian adults (49.4% in 2022) dont get enough physical activity according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. This is a significant increase from 2000 when only 22.3% of adults were considered inactive.According to the findings, nearly half (49.4%) of Indian adults dont meet the recommended physical activity levels, which comes to 57% of women who are more likely to be inactive than men (42%).It is worth noting that these numbers have seen a drastic rise, as physical inactivity has risen sharply in India, and unchecked, could impact over 60% of the population by 2030.This trend is concerning because physical inactivity is a major risk factor for several chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.Recommendations by WHOThe physical activity guidelines that are shared by the World Health Organization advise all individuals to engage in at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity (or comparable vigorous activity) every week. Not engaging in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, or an equivalent combination of both each week is considered insufficient physical activity. The World Health Organization states that adults who are physically inactive are more susceptible to cardiovascular disorders, including heart attacks and strokes, Type 2 diabetes, dementia, and breast and colon cancers.Apart from this, the organisation also says that individuals who not meet this aerobic activity recommendation are considered to be insufficiently physically active, this applies to all adults (aged 18 years and older), including those living with chronic conditions or disabilities, and pregnant or postpartum people.Why is the Indian data concerningThe status sheet is especially concerning given that Indians are genetically predisposed to developing non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart disease at least ten years earlier than persons in other countries. Meanwhile, according to one of the experts, if you are not physically active, you are only making your risk factors worse.
