Lancet Study and the State of Physical Fitness in India

Brief Introduction

• Lancet Study: Over 50% of adults in India are physically unfit.
• Ranking: India ranks 12th in physical inactivity compared to other countries.
• WHO Guidelines: There should be 150-300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week.

Main Findings

• Unfit Adults: 50% of Indian adults are physically unfit.
  • Women: 57% unfit
  • Men: 42% unfit
• Trend: In 2000, 22.3% of adults were unfit; it increased to 50% in 2022 and is projected to be 60% by 2030.

Reasons

• Work From Home: The trend of working from home has increased post-COVID.
• Transport Facilities: Easily available, people prefer using vehicles over walking.
• Cultural Barriers: Particularly among women, physical activity is less.

WHO Recommendations

• Moderate Aerobic Activity: 150-300 minutes per week.
  • Fast walking, swimming, etc.
• Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Cancer: Physical inactivity increases the likelihood of these diseases.

Genes and Health

• Indian DNA: More prone to non-communicable diseases.
• Aggravated Risk: Physical inactivity increases the risk.

Statistics

• Worldwide:
  • 1.8 billion unfit people
  • India ranks 12th out of 195 countries
  • 50% of adults in India are physically unfit; the global average is 31%

Solutions

• Physical Exercise: 30-40 minutes daily.
• Diet Improvement: Only exercise is not enough, avoiding junk food is necessary.
• Alcohol and Tobacco: Avoid them.

Conclusion

• Physical fitness can prevent major health issues.
• Personal efforts towards improvement are necessary while studying the solutions.