Standford University has conducted research by analysing data from over 700,00 people across 46 countries on their day-to-day activity. This study uses smartphone data to track daily steps. This research is published in the journal Nature which highlights different countries and their activity levels.In the year 2018, the World Health Organisation (WHO) also conducted similar research published in The Lancet, a medical journal which ranked Uganda as the most energetic country, with only 5.5 per cent of its population being inactive. While India ranked 117 among the 168 countries with 34 per cent of its population being inactive.Let’s dig in to see who ranks where on the recent listIndonesiaMeasuring the average daily steps, Indonesia has topped the charts of being the most inactive country. The country also recorded the lowest average daily steps with just 3,513 average steps per day. The study also highlights the need for better urban planning and public health initiatives which can help in more pedestrian activities. As per the studies, the current infrastructure is what discourages the Indonesians from walking and carrying on other physical activities to stay fit.Saudi ArabiaThis country has recorded an average of 3,807 steps per day. The report also states that the reason behind this low activity may be due to the hot climate. Other reasons are the cultural factors, as most people there prefer to stay indoors, and it leads to a sedentary lifestyle. The report also takes note of the different programmes by the government to promote a healthy lifestyle, including indoor exercise facilities.MalaysiaThe third on the list is Malaysia with average daily steps of 3,963. As per the report, the main factor behind a low daily average is motorisation. Cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang also have high traffic, which may be the reason why people find walking less appealing. The report here too has highlighted the government initiatives in promoting public health and healthy lifestyle.PhilippinesThis country is at 4,008 steps per day. Almost every country has similar factors and needs better traffic management and urban infrastructure to promote a healthy lifestyle.South AfricaRanking fifth in the list is South Africa with 4,105 average steps a day. The report mentions the disparities of the diverse people and regions and attributes the urban areas as the cause of lower activity zones.EgyptOn the list is Egypt with 4,315 average steps per day. The reason here is similar to Saudi Arabia, the hot climate is what plays an essential role in discouraging people from going out and walking. Traffic congestion too is the reason.BrazilSeventh on the list is Brazil with 4,289 steps. Here too, socio-economic disparities play a vital role in low physical activity. The report mentions that public health initiatives can improve the state of physical activity in the country.IndiaOur country ranks eighth on the list with a daily average of 4,297 steps. Lifestyle changes are said to be the major factor in the love of physical activities among Indians. Metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, where people prefer motorised transport too, are the reason for the low activity rate. MexicoNinth on the list with an average of 4,692 steps per day is Mexico. Here too, socio-economic factors play an essential role, along with traffic congestion and limited pedestrian infrastructure.United StatesThe US is also on the list, number 10th with 4,774 average steps per day. This is a developed nation with a decent pedestrian infrastructure and yet the country ranks in the top 10 due to the increasingly sedentary lifestyle. Some cities are walkable, while others are not, this too is a leading factor for the US to feature on the list. Health RisksWalking is one of the most accessible and effective forms of exercise for maintaining heart health. Regular walking, maintaining an average of 10000 steps a day can improve cardiovascular function by strengthening the heart muscles, enhancing circulation, and reducing blood pressure. It also helps with maintaining a healthy weight, It also aids in maintaining a healthy weight, which is essential for preventing heart disease. It can also keep the cholesterol levels in check.Whereas a completely sedentary lifestyle can have detrimental effects on heart health. Physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases. Without regular exercise, the heart muscles weaken, leading to poor circulation and higher blood pressure. It also contributes to weight gain, and health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol—all of which are risk factors for heart disease.
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