Majority of working professionals spend the day sitting

Working professionals in India spend most of their time in a day sitting as against being active, revealed a report conducted by Max Bupa Walk for Health Survey 2016.

The survey, the first of its kind study on walking behaviour, is based on data of over 1300 Indians across four cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Jaipur belonging to different backgrounds - working professionals, housewives, students and senior citizens.

According to the study, 38 percent of the working population spends time sitting, while only 20 percent devote time to walking. Long working hours emerged as the biggest barrier to walking amongst professionals.

The survey also revealed pollution as a key deterrent to walking with 16 percent Indians not taking a walk regularly due to rising pollution levels.

"Max Bupa Walk for Health Survey 2016 has revealed an alarming reality that most of the working population in India spends 40 percent of its time in a day sitting. A simple yet effective way to improve one's health is a 30 minute daily walk," said Max Bupa Managing Director and CEO, Ashish Mehrotra.

The survey showed that 8 percent suffered from blood pressure, back problems (15 percent), weak eyesight (14 percent) and overall weakness (12 percent) who do not walk regularly. Obesity emerged as the prime disease affecting housewives who do not walk (14 percent) while working women who do not walk suffer from weak eyesight (21 percent).

However, 78 percent agree that walking helps to guard against lifestyle diseases.

According to the findings, 44 percent of housewives started walking post getting diagnosed with diseases like blood pressure and sugar.

"Max Bupa Walk for Health encourages people to take up walking for a healthier and a more successful life." added Anika Agarwal, head-marketing, Max Bupa.

According to the survey, 74 percent Mumbaikars and 73 percent Delhiites prefer walking over other exercises, followed by Pune at 65 percent and Jaipur at 64 percent.

While Delhi (47 percent), Mumbai (38 percent) and Jaipur (32 percent) walk for a good heart, Pune (38 percent) walks to lose weight.