By Et Spotlight
Copyright indiatimes
ET Spotlight
India’s diabetes crisis is intensifying at a staggering pace. Recent studies reveal that nearly 20% of adults aged 45 and above in India now suffer from diabetes, while about 11.1% of the overall adult population is living with the disease, according to the latest data from 20251,2. This means over 100 million adults are grappling with diabetes—a figure projected to rise sharply in the coming years if urgent lifestyle changes are not adopted. Behind these alarming numbers is a largely hidden driver: the sedentary work culture that keeps millions confined to desks for prolonged hours, contributing not only to weight gain but specifically to abdominal obesity—a critical risk factor fuelling the diabetes surge.The sedentary trap: A metabolic early alarmA typical urban professional’s day often involves long periods of sitting—from sedentary commutes to desk-bound workdays with minimal movement. This inactivity leads to reduced calorie expenditure and the accumulation of visceral fat, especially around the waist.Recent studies in India show that individuals in sedentary occupations are between 8% and 20% more likely to develop abdominal obesity compared to those in physically active roles. Alarmingly, over half of working men and women in such jobs exhibit this metabolically harmful fat pattern.3Abdominal fat, stored deep in the abdomen around organs, plays an active role in disrupting insulin function, leading to insulin resistance, which is the primary underlying cause of type 2 diabetes. Besides metabolic disruption, this visceral fat promotes chronic inflammation, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension, alongside diabetes. Research also indicates that sitting continuously for three hours or more daily significantly elevates diabetes risk, particularly in individuals with a family history of the disease4.ET SpotlightThe COVID-19 pandemic and the expansion of work-from-home arrangements have only intensified these risks by reducing incidental physical activity such as walking to meetings or commuting. Combined with stress and poor dietary choices, this has accelerated weight gain and diabetes risk in sedentary workers. Assessments based on the Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) find a high prevalence of diabetes risk strongly correlated with waist circumference and inactivity among Indian workers5.Live EventsFood noise: The mental chatter that fuels overeatingA newer concept gaining traction in this space is “food noise”—the persistent, intrusive thoughts about food that dominate mental space. These thoughts are often triggered by food cues (sight, smell, social media), and can lead to emotional eating, overeating, and difficulty adhering to lifestyle changes.Fortunately, the solution lies in small, sustainable changes. Breaking sedentary periods with standing or light walking every hour, choosing stairs over elevators, incorporating movement breaks, and eating healthier, less processed foods can all help control weight and stabilise blood sugar levels. Workplaces can support these shifts by providing standing desks, promoting walking meetings, and offering nutritious snack options. Even modest increases in daily physical activity are vital for preventing insulin resistance and its devastating consequences.ET SpotlightThe clear scientific consensus now confirms a strong link between sedentary work culture, weight gain—especially abdominal obesity—and the diabetes epidemic sweeping India. The risk grows with years of inactivity and accumulating waist fat. Recognising and addressing how work habits impact health is essential to reverse this trend. Moving more during work hours is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for protecting the health of millions and securing the nation’s future.References:Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
Study: Four out of 10 diabetics not aware of disease, Lancet Global Health, 2025.International Diabetes Federation, Diabetes Atlas 2025.Navin Singh et al., “Sedentary Work and Expanding Waistlines: A Cross-sectional Study on Occupational Roles and Abdominal Obesity in India,” BMC Public Health, 2025.V Aravindalochanan et al., “Prolonged sitting increases diabetes risk in Indian workers,” PubMed, 2014 (cited in 2025 analyses).K Maniyara et al., “Assessing type-2 diabetes risk based on the Indian Diabetes Risk Score,” Nature Scientific Reports, 2025.Disclaimer: This content is part of a disease awareness initiative by Novo Nordisk. The opinions and views are that of the Healthcare Professionals. The news and editorial staff of ET had no role in the creation of this article nor vouch for or endorse any of its content. While the content on this site provides general information about health and wellbeing. It is not intended as medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. If you need help getting your health under control, we recommend speaking to your doctor.(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
(This article is generated and published by ET Spotlight team. You can get in touch with them on etspotlight@timesinternet.in)
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