Why is being physically active important for urban Indians?

India, like many other developing countries, is experiencing a rapid health transition. Health disorder like heart diseases, cancers, diabetes, mental illnesses, chronic lung diseases, accidents and injuries are becoming major public health concerns. India tops the world list in terms of the disability burden due to heart and lifestyle diseases (more than all industrial countries put together!) India already is the diabetes capital of the world. This figure is set to increase 3 fold by 2025. The death rates due to heart diseases are expected to double in another 25 years.

Rapid urbanisation and lifestyle changes have contributed to more and more people in India are becoming overweight or obese-even at a young age. Indians have a tendency to accumulate fat in the abdomen (pot belly). This central obesity predisposes them to diabetes, heart attacks, abnormal blood fats and high blood pressure.

Prevention is cure

Since diagnosis and treatment of many of these disorders are very expensive , it is best to prevent them. Of all preventive methods, regular physical activity and avoiding tobacco are the least expensive and have multiple health benefits. Along with a balanced diet (low in salt and certain types of fats; high in fruit and vegetables), one can protect oneself from many major diseases.