New Delhi: A national survey on physical activity and sports has recently discovered that more than 20 crore Indians are inactive as per international norms. The study further highlights that girls living in urban areas are most affected by inactivity and these findings are based on recommendations by the WHO. It also suggests that adults must work towards getting 150 minutes of physical activity per week to reduce depression and anxiety risk among other major health problems.
As per the WHO, adolescents and children should be active for at least 60 minutes every day. However, this benchmark is largely unmet in a society where academics take precedence over exercise. However, on the contrary, studies have found that workout can complement academic performance. And on the plus side, it is beneficial for mental health as well. The survey, conducted in partnership with Sports and Society Accelerator, a non-profit organisaiton, found that it is possible to achieve a fully active India by 2047 and this could boost the country’s GDP as well by more than Rs 150 trillion every year.
How much activity should one engage in in a day?
Experts say that regular exercise is a good way to keep the nerves calm and also to stay fit for more number of years. Experts have also found that sports and physical activity must not be seen as the same – while the former is more about competing and achieving excellence, the latter is centred on health. While sports require stamina, exercise regulates mood and also boosts cognitive health.
The survey also found a gender gap in activity – turns out, girls are affected by lack of access to playgrounds and parks, not to forget safety issues. Additionally, three-quarters of their active time is dedicated to household chores and caregiving work. The urban inactivity rate is twice as much as in rural areas. The survey also stressed a need for integrating workouts into the school curriculum. The survey was conducted in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha.
As per the WHO, adolescents and children should be active for at least 60 minutes every day. However, this benchmark is largely unmet in a society where academics take precedence over exercise. However, on the contrary, studies have found that workout can complement academic performance. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
