Half of urban Indians believe they are overweight, reveals survey

Despite considering themselves overweight, majority of them refrain from dieting or exercise and are concerned about their health mainly due to the fear of financial expenses during an illness.

"Over half of urban Indians consider themselves overweight. However, despite the weight concerns, dieting is not a health practice that is popular amongst Indians, with only 23 per cent having occasionally dieted," said Arti Verma, associate director, client solutions, Nielsen.

The survey, which was conducted in December 2009, included 3248 respondents from 10 major cities, all aged between 18 to 55 years.

Revelations of the survey
48 percent of the respondents were concerned about their health due to expenses borne during illnesses, while 41 percent dreaded bad future due to poor health.

53 percent Indians are pro-active towards their health and took precautionary measures; the rest were all passive.

"The increasingly hectic lifestyle of Indians is taking a toll on their health, plus the cost of treating an illness has pushed Indians to take proactive steps to maintain their health," Verma said.

"We see that amongst the higher age groups and females, weight gain brings about a greater concern for health. However, the younger age groups are concerned about health when they see some reference points like advertisements about health issues or sick friend."

However, only 23 percent have indulged into dieting occasionally, claims the survey.

Interestingly, 90 percent are of the belief that good health simply meant “no illness”.

Awareness of health foods
Talking of health foods, Indians are well aware of the terms sugar-free, whole grains, and low fat.

Maximum awareness was seen about low-fat oil and milk, while organic and pro-biotic were the least aware terms.

However, the young generation is conscious of their health and pre-disposed to health foods.

"About 38 per cent Indians believe that bad food habits like consuming junk, oily and adulterated food have an adverse affect on health and 36 per cent believe that bad, irregular habits like consumption of alcohol/cigarettes and lack of exercise and nutritious diet are factors contributing to poor health," Verma concluded.