New Delhi

A new study published in The Lancet Global Health on Tuesday (June 25) found that half of Indian adults fell short of recommended physical activity levels in 2022. 

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This lack of exercise increases the risk of several health problems, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and certain cancers, according to experts.

The proportion of such adults worldwide was 31%, but it was 49.4% in India, followed by 45.7% in Pakistan. 

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While neighbouring countries like Bhutan and Nepal reported 9.9% and 8.2%, respectively. It is likely that on the current trajectory, the proportion of adults who do not meet the recommended level of physical activity will reach 59.9% by 2030 in India.

The highest rates of physical inactivity were observed in the high-income Asia Pacific region (48%) and South Asia (45%), with levels of inactivity in high-income Western countries was 28% and 14% in Oceania.

As per the experts, the findings point to a disturbing trend of physical inactivity among adults, which has increased by about 5 per cent points between 2010 and 2022.

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“If this trend continues, levels of inactivity are projected to further rise to 35% by 2030, and the world is currently off track from meeting the global target to reduce physical inactivity by 2030,” said the researchers.

The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that adults have 150 minutes of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity, or equivalent, per week.

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasises that physical activity isn't limited to exercise. It includes any movement, from housework and yard work to sports and playtime. The key is to get your body moving, regardless of skill level or intensity.

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WHO researchers together with academic colleagues carried out the study.

“These alarming 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 need bold action - stronger policies and more funding - to tackle this concerning trend and create a healthier future," he added.

Regular physical activity reduces risk of many types of cancer by 8-28%; heart disease and stroke by 19%; diabetes by 17%, depression and dementia by 28-32%. 

It is probable that 4-5 million deaths per year could be averted if the global population was more active.

On the other hand, nearly half of the world's countries have shown improvement over the past decade, and 22 are on track to meet the target of a 15% reduction in inactivity by 2030 if they continue current efforts.

WHO further said that it is calling on countries to strengthen their policy implementation to promote and enable physical activity through grassroots and community sports.

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“Encourage physical activity goes beyond promoting individual lifestyle choice, 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.

(With inputs from agencies)