Half of Indian Adults Physically Unfit, Lancet Study Reveals Alarming Trend – A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health has raised serious concerns about the physical fitness levels of India’s adult population. According to the report, nearly 50% of Indian adults do not meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended standards for sufficient physical activity[1][4].
Half of Indian Adults Physically Unfit
- The prevalence of insufficient physical activity among Indian adults has skyrocketed from 22.3% in 2000 to 49.4% in 2022.
- Women (57%) are more physically inactive compared to men (42%)
- India ranks 12th among 195 countries in terms of insufficient physical activity prevalence
- If current trends continue, an estimated 59.9% of Indian adults could be unfit by 2030
Global Context
The study reveals that this issue is not limited to India alone. Globally, approximately 1.8 billion people (31% of adults) failed to meet the recommended physical activity levels in 2022[4]. The highest rates of inactivity were observed in:
- High-income Asia-Pacific region (48%)
- South Asia (45%)
Health Risks and WHO Recommendations
Insufficient physical activity puts adults at greater risk of:
- Cardiovascular diseases (heart attacks and strokes)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Dementia
- Certain cancers (breast and colon)
The WHO recommends that adults engage in at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or equivalent vigorous activity every week
Economic Impact
The global cost of physical inactivity to public health care systems between 2020 and 2030 is estimated at $300 billion (approximately $27 billion per year) if current levels persist
Call to Action
Dr. Rüdiger Krech, WHO’s Director of Health Promotion, emphasizes the need to address this “silent threat to global health”[6]. Experts suggest creating environments that make physical activity more accessible and implementing policies to encourage active lifestyles.
As India faces this growing health challenge, it is crucial for individuals, communities, and policymakers to prioritize physical fitness and work towards reversing this alarming trend.
