Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 23: The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is rising worldwide, with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and certain cancers becoming major causes of illness and death. Unlike infectious diseases, NCDs are generally not transmitted from one person to another. They are strongly linked to unhealthy lifestyles, including tobacco use, unhealthy diets, harmful alcohol consumption and physical inactivity.

Among these risk factors, physical inactivity remains one of the most overlooked. It is, however, a modifiable risk factor and an important area for preventing or delaying NCDs.

Modern life and reduced physical activity

Technology has made everyday life more convenient, but it has also reduced the amount of physical activity people undertake. Many people now spend hours sitting at desks, using computers or scrolling on smartphones, while machines replace physical tasks and motorised transport replaces walking.

Physical inactivity should not simply be viewed as an individual's lifestyle choice. Its consequences extend to families, workplaces, communities and healthcare systems.

The human body is designed for movement

The human body is designed to move. Regular physical activity strengthens the heart, muscles and bones, improves blood circulation, helps maintain a healthy body weight and supports mental well-being.

These benefits are lost when people remain inactive for prolonged periods. A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to weight gain and increased blood pressure, blood sugar and unhealthy cholesterol levels, all of which are associated with NCDs such as diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers.

Physical inactivity and obesity

The link between physical inactivity and obesity is well established. People today often consume more calories while expending less energy. Sedentary work and education, combined with long periods spent watching television or using smartphones, can contribute to weight gain over time.

Obesity, in turn, increases the risk of several NCDs, making regular physical activity an important component of maintaining a healthy weight and preventing disease.

Protecting heart health

Heart disease is closely associated with physical inactivity. Regular movement helps the heart function efficiently and can reduce several cardiovascular risk factors.

Inactivity increases the risk of hypertension, abnormal cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease. Simple activities such as walking, cycling, climbing stairs and participating in recreational sports, when performed regularly, can make a meaningful difference to heart health.

Physical activity and diabetes

Physical activity helps the body use glucose more efficiently by improving insulin sensitivity. In contrast, physical inactivity, particularly when combined with obesity and an unhealthy diet, contributes to the long-term development of type 2 diabetes.

The increasing incidence of diabetes and its complications — including kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, retinopathy and nerve damage — places an additional burden on already overstretched healthcare systems, particularly in developing countries.

Children and adolescents at risk

Physical inactivity is increasingly becoming a concern among children and adolescents. Young people spend substantial amounts of time sitting in classrooms, using computers, watching television and playing video games.

At the same time, opportunities for outdoor activities and physical education in schools and colleges may be limited. Since habits formed during childhood often continue into adulthood, promoting physical activity early in life is crucial.

This responsibility does not rest solely with individuals. Families, schools, communities and governments all have important roles to play in encouraging active lifestyles among people of all ages.

Making workplaces more active

The workplace is another important area for intervention. Many occupations require employees to remain seated for much of the working day, and even people who exercise occasionally may spend prolonged periods being sedentary at work.

Employers can encourage movement by providing opportunities for intermittent breaks, standing workstations and active commuting. Workplace physical activity programmes can benefit both employees and organisations by improving health and well-being and ultimately contributing to productivity.

Creating environments that encourage movement

Governments also have an important role in shaping environments that make physical activity easier. Safe sidewalks, bicycle lanes, parks and recreational spaces can encourage people to walk, cycle and engage in outdoor activities.

Urban planning should therefore consider not only economic development but also the health and well-being of residents. When walking and cycling are safe and convenient, people can become more physically active without making major changes to their daily routines.

Small changes can make a difference

Individuals can also take simple steps to increase their daily movement. There is no need to wait until diabetes, hypertension or heart disease develops before becoming physically active.

Regular exercise, taking the stairs instead of the lift, reducing sitting time, walking more and participating in recreational activities are practical ways to introduce more movement into everyday life.

An active lifestyle can significantly improve overall health, reduce the risk of developing NCDs and enhance the quality of life of people already living with chronic diseases.

A public health priority

Physical inactivity should not merely be dismissed as laziness or being unfit. With the growing burden of NCDs, it has become a significant public health issue requiring action at multiple levels.

Awareness campaigns, better physical environments and physical education from an early age can all help address the problem. As cities become increasingly urbanised and societies more dependent on technology, the risk of sedentary lifestyles is likely to grow.

Making physical activity a regular part of daily life, alongside a healthy diet, smoking cessation and reduced harmful alcohol use, can substantially reduce the burden of NCDs.

Preventing NCDs depends on many factors, but encouraging people to move more is among the simplest and most powerful steps towards a healthier life.