Over 200 million Indians are ‘inactive’, says worrying survey; girls are the worst affected

A national survey has revealed disturbing details: over 20 million Indians are “inactive” compared to international standards. According to the study conducted by Dalberg Advisors and Sports and Society Accelerator, there is a significant gap in physical activity in various parts of India, according to a report by TOI.

The survey said inactivity was higher among girls in urban India.

According to World Health Organisation recommendations, adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week, while children and adolescents should engage in 60 minutes daily. However, this study has revealed that many Indians are falling short of these benchmarks, with at least one in five parents prioritising study over children’s playtime, reflecting a bias towards academic success over physical health.

“One of the biggest myths we need to debunk is that physical activity interferes with our studies when in fact it complements and enhances academic success,” Shwetha Totapally, regional director at Dalberg Advisors, told the Times of India.

According to WHO statistics, an estimated 188.3 million adults in India suffer from hypertension or high blood pressure, which is about one in four adults. According to experts, only 37 percent of people with hypertension are aware of their condition, most of which they say is due to lifestyle issues such as lack of exercise and a healthy and nutritious diet.

India also ranks 182 out of 197 countries in terms of obesity rates worldwide. According to statistics, around 9.8 percent of women and 5.4 percent of men in the country were obese, up from 1.2 percent of women and 0.5 percent of men in 1990. Experts say the number is only growing every year.

Doctors say regular physical activity is extremely important as it improves mood, stamina and cognitive function, as well as toning the body and losing weight.

Urban vs. rural inactivity

The survey, conducted in the states of Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Tamil Nadu, also highlights alarming figures of inactivity rates that are almost double those of rural areas in cities and towns. Experts underline the need for better integration of physical activity in schools, with 67% of students reporting a lack of sports equipment and 21% saying their schools lack playgrounds.

Gender discrimination is also evident: some schools restrict activities for girls.

The study highlights the stark gap in physical activity: girls, particularly in urban areas, face multiple barriers, such as a lack of accessible public spaces that discourage physical activity. There is a widespread belief that girls face additional challenges in their families, as they are burdened with domestic responsibilities and safety concerns that limit their opportunities for physical activity.

Ways to increase physical activity

Some ways you can increase your physical activity levels include:

Take the stairs

Always make sure to take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator whenever possible.

Park further away

Parking your vehicle at the far end of the parking lot or street will allow you to walk a few extra steps.

Walk daily

Whenever possible, make sure to walk, even in your workplace.

Take breaks

Take regular breaks from your computer

Do strength exercises

Experts recommend doing strength training exercises that help you strengthen your core and build muscle.

Try different exercises

Try gardening, dancing, swimming, bicycling, climbing stairs or hills, playing tennis or basketball.

Quit smoking and drinking

Excessive alcohol consumption causes liver damage and cancer, and negatively affects mental health. Smoking increases the risk of various diseases, such as lung cancer and heart disease.