All work, no play? Nearly 50% of Indians fail to meet WHO’s recommended standard for physical activity

A new study published in The Lancet Global Health paints a concerning picture for India. Nearly half (49.4%) of Indian adults are failing to meet the recommended levels of physical activity according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This lack of movement is a ticking time bomb, putting millions at risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, dementia and some cancers.

Globally, nearly a third of adults (1.8 billion people) are failing to meet activity recommendations but India finds itself at the forefront of this growing public health concern. India ranks 12th globally for physical inactivity. The study highlights that the worrying prevalence of inactivity has more than doubled since 2000.

India is followed closely by countries like Pakistan, where 45.7% of the people are physically inactive. This is in stark contrast to neighbouring countries like Bhutan (9.9%) and Nepal (8.2%) where activity levels are considerably higher.

Still, the highest inactivity rates are concentrated in South Asia (45%) and the high-income Asia-Pacific region (48%). Another troubling trend that the researchers uncovered was the gender gap in physical activity among men and women. In India, women (57%) were more physically inactive than men (42%) as of 2022.

These trends, if left unchecked, could lead to a global healthcare burden of $300 billion over the next decade.

Fortunately, there's a readily available solution - get moving! The WHO recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week for adults. These seemingly simple steps can significantly reduce the risk of numerous chronic diseases. The good news? Physical activity doesn't have to be complicated. Walking, cycling, housework, and even playing can all contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

The message from this report is clear: India faces a looming inactivity crisis. We must all take steps, quite literally at times, for a healthier future.