Drop in Exercise Levels Leading to Health Problems Globally: Study

The lack of exercise is leading to diabetes, heart problems, breast cancer, along with mental health problems, among others.

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Humans are not moving around enough, quite literally, and the brunt of this inactivity is being faced by their bodies. According to a Lancet study, backed by data by the World Health Organization, lack of exercise is leading to an increase in non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular problems, breast and colon cancer, along with mental health problems.

The recommended level of physical activity, according to the study, is either 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, per week for an average adult. Conversely, an average of both of the two activities combined will also serve the same purpose.

Also Read: Delhi’s Kids Are Getting Obese: How is it Affecting Them?

India is struggling with its own fair share of health problems related with inactivity. From hypertension to obesity, the non-communicable diseases have seen a drastic rise in the country in the last few years.

Hypertension or high blood pressure affects nearly three in ten Indians and is responsible for 17.5% of all deaths and 9.7% of disability-adjusted life years (DALYS) in India, according to data released in 2017.

Obesity too has some disturbing numbers to offers in the form of a rise, especially among urban kids, according to a survey carried out by Max Healthcare with 1,000 participant in 2017.

The Lancet study concluded their findings after 358 surveys were conducted in 168 countries with 1.9 million people from 2001 to 2016. The highest levels of inadequate physical activity in 2016 were found among women in Latin America, the Caribbean, south Asia and high-income Western countries. The lowest levels were found in men in Oceania, east and southeast Asia, among others.

Additionally, low income countries are better off than high-income where the inactivity has increased more over the years. The study further suggests that if these levels of inactivity continue, the global physical activity targets for 2025 won’t be achieved.