In recent years, physical inactivity has emerged as one of India’s most significant public health issues. A pioneering 2022 study published in The Lancet Global Health journal exposes a grim reality: approximately 50% of all adults in India do not meet the recommended levels of physical exercise [I]. This statistic is more than simply a number; it is a red flag indicating a health catastrophe that mirrors regional and global patterns. Physical inactivity is defined as not participating in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week, and it is definitely becoming a silent epidemic.
Consider a bustling city like Mumbai or Delhi, where millions of people go about their everyday lives amid traffic congestion and overcrowded public transport. Despite this constant action, a sizable segment of the population remains sedentary, spending the majority of their time sitting at work, in front of devices, or stuck in traffic. The paradox of activity versus inactivity highlights a larger issue: the modern lifestyle is increasingly detached from the physical activity required to maintain good health.
When it comes to gender differences, the situation becomes much more concerning. Women in India have particular hurdles that lead to even lower levels of physical activity than their male counterparts. The study found that 57% of women are insufficiently active, compared to 42% of men [II]. This imbalance reflects broader socio-cultural constraints, such as safety concerns, a lack of access to appropriate exercise venues, and women bearing a disproportionate load of home chores.
This gender difference is not an isolated issue; it reflects general trends in South Asia, where women are 14% less active than men.
What Can We Expect in the Future?
Historical trends and future projections
In India, the number of adults who engage in insufficient physical activity has risen dramatically in recent decades. In 2000, slightly more than 22% of adults were insufficiently active. By 2010, the figure had grown to about 34%. Projections indicate that if current trends continue, up to 60% of Indian adults may be insufficiently physically active by 2030 [II]. This trajectory is concerning and emphasizes the need for immediate and ongoing public health actions.
Physical inactivity increases the risk of non-communicable diseases
Physical inactivity is a well-known risk factor for a variety of major health issues, especially heart health. According to the WHO, low physical exercise increases the risk of developing non-communicable diseases, such as:
- Diabetes: A sedentary lifestyle increases insulin resistance and blood sugar levels, raising the risk of type 2 diabetes. The ICMR-INDIAB study estimated that 101 million individuals in India have diabetes in 2021 [III].
- Heart Disease: A lack of physical activity is connected to an increased risk of heart disease and heart blockages. It can result in excessive blood pressure, obesity, and elevated cholesterol levels.
- Obesity: Inactivity is linked to weight growth and obesity. ICMR estimated that obesity affected 254 million individuals in India in 2021. [III]
- High LDL Cholesterol: Inadequate physical exercise is linked to higher levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol. In 2021, around 185 million Indians had excessive levels of LDL cholesterol. [III]
Addressing the Issue: What Can Be Done?
Promoting Physical Activity
A multifaceted approach to combating physical inactivity is required. Here are a few techniques for encouraging regular physical activity:
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the advantages of physical activity and the dangers of inactivity is critical. Awareness campaigns might encourage people to include more activity in their daily lives.
- Community Programs: Creating community-based programs that provide accessible and cheap exercise options will help people stay active. These programs may include neighborhood fitness classes, strolling clubs, and recreational sports leagues.
- Workplace Wellness: Employers can help promote physical activity by developing workplace wellness initiatives. These programs may include on-site fitness facilities, workout breaks, and incentives for active commuting.
- School Initiatives: Schools should incorporate physical activity into their curriculum and provide after-school sports programs. Encouraging youngsters to be active from an early age can help them develop lifetime healthy habits.
Supporting Women’s Physical Activity
Given the higher levels of physical inactivity among women, tailored interventions are required.
- Creating secure areas: Creating secure and accessible recreational areas for women can help to increase physical activity. This could include parks, gyms, and community centers that are specifically intended for women’s needs.
- Tailored Programs: Creating fitness programs that are specific to women’s interests and needs can boost participation. These programs may include group fitness classes, yoga sessions, and dance workshops.
- Overcoming socio-cultural barriers to women’s physical exercise entails addressing concerns about safety, family duties, and cultural standards. When encouraging women to participate in physical activity, public health programs should take these aspects into account.
Conclusion
The growth in physical inactivity among Indian adults is a serious public health concern with far-reaching consequences. With over half of all individuals failing to fulfill recommended physical activity levels and poor lifestyle management, the risk of developing non-communicable diseases such as heart problems is increased. Addressing this issue necessitates a multifaceted strategy that involves public education, community engagement, and tailored interventions, particularly for women.
We can help to reverse these troubling trends and improve general public health by implementing effective physical activity promotion initiatives and adopting healthier lives. Individuals, communities, and policymakers must work together to address the issue of physical inactivity and the health consequences that come with it.
References
II. Strain T, Flaxman S, Guthold R, Semenova E, Cowan M, Riley LM, Bull FC, Stevens GA; Country Data Author Group. National, regional, and global trends in insufficient physical activity among adults from 2000 to 2022: a pooled analysis of 507 population-based surveys with 5·7 million participants. Lancet Glob Health. 2024 Aug;12(8):e1232-e1243. doi: 10.1016/S2214-109X(24)00150-5. Epub 2024 Jun 25. PMID: 38942042; PMCID: PMC11254784.
III. Anjana RM, Unnikrishnan R, Deepa M, Pradeepa R, Tandon N, Das AK, et al. Metabolic non-communicable disease health report of India: The ICMR-INDIAB national cross-sectional study (ICMR-INDIAB-17) Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2023;11:474–89.