Almost One-Third Of The Population In India Doesn¡¯t Visit A Physician On Time And The Repercussions Are Alarming!

Although 91% of Indian consider health as a priority and intend to make healthy changes towards their well-being, a recent study revealed that one-third of the population doesn¡¯t bother visiting physicians on time.

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The comprehensive report titled ¡®HEALHI INSIGHTS INDIA 2017¡¯ was put out by healthi, India¡¯s preventive health provider, and is based on one million health tests and related data points including health history and lifestyle over a period of 18 months (October 2015-March 2017).

The report shed light on the wide gap that exists between Indians that want to be healthy versus Indians that actually make efforts to achieve an ideal state of health.

Additionally, it also sheds light on how the perceptions people have regarding their health differ from the reality; especially amongst young people.

The cities covered in the cities include Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi/NCR, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune.

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Since achieving an optimal state of health starts in your mind, Indian¡¯s showed a remarkable 91% inclination towards the betterment of their health. Here¡¯s what some of the numbers across various cities looked like:

? Men from Mumbai (93%) lead the race when it comes to considering health a priority whereas men from Chennai (82%) fare the worst.

? Women, on the other hand, irrespective of the city that they belong to (Pune 100%, Delhi/NCR 99%, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore 98%, Chennai 97%), are aware of the importance of being healthy.

The contradiction, however, lies in the fact that over 28% of the total population that is in need of medical help doesn't visit physicians on time. The study also takes into consideration the health outcomes of various professional sectors, including BFSI, IT/ITES, Manufacturing, Retail, and non-IT services.

Obesity is the highest amongst people working in the Retail sector with around 71% women and 83% men suffering from it. While high cholesterol is another prominent condition plaguing the working population.

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High cholesterol is often self-induced due to faulty diets, stress, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking and drinking. Here are some of the findings across various industries for high cholesterol:

? 15% women and 29% men in the BFSI sector

? 24% women and 42% men in IT/ITES

? 12% women and 22% men in Manufacturing

? 24% women and 39% men in Retail

? 11% women and 27% men in the Non-IT

All of the people services suffer from high cholesterol and are at a high risk of developing diabetes and hypertension.

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The population is divided into three distinct groups in the study:

Below-30 age bracket is categorised as ¡®Young Invincibles¡¯. The 30 to 40 age bracket is categorised, as "Not-so-bullet proofs". The third group bracket is the above-40 category and is named as "Mere Mortals".

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Here are some of the key findings in these age brackets:

? 30% of the male population and 15% of the female population under 30 in India already have or are at a high risk of hypertension

? 21% men and 9% women are at a high risk of diabetes, and 11% women and 23% men suffer from high cholesterol

? 20% of the population lives a sedentary lifestyle and therefore is at two times higher risk of getting coronary heart disease.

? 91% of the women currently do not screen for cervical cancer and 88% for breast cancer. Timely detection and early treatment can save lives in both these ailments.

Weight problems, insufficient physical activity, smoking, stress, anxiety, and depression are the top lifestyle issues that affect people across all age groups.

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Speaking about the insights, here¡¯s what the co-founders, Rekuram Varadharaj and Krishna Ulagaratchagan of healthi had to say in a joint statement:

¡°The study presents unique insights not only about prevalence (i.e. people who already have a condition) but also scientifically valid assessments of people who are at risk of serious chronic illnesses."

"To millions of Indians, preventive health, if any, ends at a health check, a short consultation and a prayer.¡°

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¡°Startling national women health statistics like 26%+ suffering from anaemia, 88% from Vitamin D deficiency (necessary for bone and potentially heart health) and 12%+ with abnormal TSH levels necessitate the need for timely detection and treatment. ¡°

¡°We have also observed how genetic predisposition and changing lifestyle lead to disproportionate chronic disease prevalence and risk even among younger Indians. It is important to set complacency aside and cultivate effective healthy habits and lifestyle early. Seeking help at the right time is key."

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It is a known fact that despite rising awareness, growing investments by enlightened employers and the government, and increasing availability of well-qualified practitioners and facilities, India continues to lead the world in prevalence and risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. This fact needs to change.