Unfit India – Health Related Issues facing India

Source-This post on Unfit India has been created based on the article “Broken pavements, lack of safety: A big reason why Indians struggle to stay fit” published in “The Indian Express” on 28 June 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2– Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Context– The article highlights new findings from the Lancet Global Health showing that 57% of women and 42% of men in India don’t meet the WHO’s guidelines for physical activity.
If this trend persists, it’s estimated that by 2030, almost 60% of Indian adults could face health risks like heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and cancers like breast and colon cancer. Health Related Issues facing India

What are the reasons for the sedentary lifestyle of people?

1) Sociocultural, Economic, and Infrastructure Challenges -Many factors, including sociocultural, economic, and infrastructure issues, contribute to the inactive lifestyle of many Indians. Research shows that social and cultural attitudes also pose significant barriers, particularly for women and girls. For ex- A 2018 study in New Delhi found that social disapproval was a major obstacle to physical activity among adolescents.

2) Perception of Household Chores as Physical Activity– A 2015 study in Thiruvananthapuram revealed that many women believed household chores alone were enough physical activity. Recognizing the need for a shift in attitudes, the Indian government initiated the Fit India movement in 2019.

Read More-Fit India Movement

3) Limitation of Fit India Movement-It overlooks the most significant challenge for Indians aiming to improve fitness such as-

A) the absence of a suitable physical environment for being more active.
B) Gyms and fitness centers are unaffordable for most Indians.
C) Walking encounters hindrances like damaged sidewalks, exposed sewage, erratic traffic, and safety risks, which deter many individuals.

What should be the way forward?

1) Building a Healthy Society -The head of the WHO Unit for Physical Activity emphasizes the need for a comprehensive societal approach. He stresses that open spaces, well-maintained roads and pavements, safety, and low pollution levels are essential for promoting a healthier population.

2) Policy Implementation and Infrastructure Development -The emphasis should be on implementing policies and investing in developing suitable environments and infrastructure.

Question for practice

What factors contribute to people leading sedentary lifestyles? How can this issue be addressed.