Indians failing to meet recommended standard of physical activity, finds study

One in two Indian adults did not meet recommended level of physical activity in 2022 according to new data published in medical journal The Lancet Global Health on Tuesday, with the consequence being greater risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes, type 2 diabetes, dementia and breast and colon cancers, said experts. “These new findings highlight a lost opportunity to reduce cancer, heart disease and improve mental well-being through increased physical activity,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, in a statement. “We must renew our commitments to increasing levels of physical activity and prioritize bold action, including strengthened policies and increased funding, to reverse this worrying trend.” Disparities remain between gender and age, said experts. “Promoting physical activity goes beyond promoting individual lifestyle choice — it will require a whole-of-society approach and creating environments that make it easier and safer for everyone to be more active in ways they enjoy to reap the many health benefits of regular physical activity,” said Dr Fiona Bull, head of the WHO Unit for Physical Activity.