Working India spends majority of its time in a day sitting vis-a-vis walking, reveals Max Bupa Walk for Health Survey 2016

Working Indians spend most of their time in a day sitting as against being active, reveals Max Bupa Walk for Health Survey 2016, a first of its kind study on walking behavior of over 1300 Indians across 4 cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Jaipur. Working professionals, housewives, students and senior citizens participated in the study. Amongst the working population, 38% spends time sitting, while only 20% devote time to walking, according to the study. Long working hours emerged as the biggest barrier to walking amongst professionals. While long office hours stop Delhi (27%) and Mumbai (25%) employees from walking, Pune (21%) and Jaipur (13%) do not walk due to long daily commute. Long working hours also emerge as an impediment towards walking for 26% working women. 15% of housewives prefer dieting over walking and 12% of them don't walk because they feel unsafe and insecure.

The survey also revealed pollution as a key deterrent to walking with 16% Indians not walking regularly due to rising pollution levels. Among the four cities, Pune (42%) tops the chart followed by Mumbai (39%), Delhi (27%) and Jaipur (27%).Women (20%) are more affected by pollution than men (13%) when it comes to walking. Across age groups, Indians in the age bracket of 46-54years cite pollution as the biggest reason for not walking enough.

Ahish Mehrotra, Managing Director & CEO, Max Bupa said, "Max Bupa Walk for Health Survey 2016 has revealed an alarming reality, that most of the working population in India spends 40 % of its time in a day sitting. The survey shows that of those who do not walk regularly, 18% suffer from blood pressure, back problems (15%), weak eyesight (14%) and overall weakness (12%). Obesity emerged as the prime disease affecting housewives who don't walk (14%) while working women who don't walk suffer from weak eye sight (21%). Surprisingly, non-walkers rate their health as 'very good' (40%) in spite of a host of health issues.This tendency can have devastating aftermath on the health of the nation. A simple yet effective way to improve one's health is a 30 minute daily walk. Through Max Bupa Walk for Health, we want to urge Indians to take a first step towards better health by walking more regularly and actively avert the growing incidence of critical and lifestyle diseases."

However, majority of respondents (78%) agree thatwalking helpsthemguard against lifestyle diseases. Most of the housewives (82%) and working women (92%) respondents believe walking can help combat lifestyle related diseases.According to the survey findings, 44% of housewives started walking post getting diagnosed with lifestyle diseases like blood pressure, sugar etc.

"The survey shows that 68% have acknowledged the role of walking in controlling weight and 60% of walkers experienced improved lung health due to walking. 35% of the respondents feel walking makes them happier and helps reduce stress. Max Bupa Walk for Health therefore encourages people to take up walking for a healthier and more a more successful life." added Anika Agarwal, Head-Marketing, Max Bupa.

Interestingly, walking has emerged as the most preferred form of exercise across all age groups, sections of society and even among professionals (70% of all respondents). According to the survey, 74% Mumbaikars and 73% Delhiites prefer walking over other exercises, followed by Pune at 65% and Jaipur (64%). While Delhi (47%), Mumbai (38%) and Jaipur (32%) walk for a good heart, Pune (38%) walks to lose weight.49% housewives feel walking helps reduce weight as compared to 39% of working women. 54% of housewives feel walking is good for heart while 27% of housewives walk to reduce stress.

The survey reiterates the multiple health benefits of a simple exercise like walking that Max Bupa has taken upon itself to drive across the country through its first of its kind health initiative, Max Bupa Walk for Health. The initiative aims to encourage people to integrate walking into their daily schedule. The fourth edition of Max Bupa Walk for Health to mobilize families across various cities, towns and villages to walk more, and drive awareness about the innumerable health benefits of walking among Indians.

Source : Equity Bulls

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