Mumbai low on healthy eating, high on happiness
MUMBAI: Mumbaikars eat unhealthy food and lead a sedentary life but they are a happy lot. A pan India survey found out that nearly four out of 10 in the city may have high cholesterol levels—one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease. Yet, a mitigating factor could be that it is the happiest place compared with other big cities.
The survey carried out ahead of the World Heart Day rated Mumbai, Delhi, Chandigarh, Bangalore and Kolkata using a healthy lifestyle score—a cumulative indicator of factors, including eating habits, activity levels and happiness. The city shared the third position with Kolkata scoring 67, which means both can do better in eating healthy and adopting better fitness regimes.
Around 38% of Mumbai residents scored low on the lifestyle chart. The city scored a measly 31 on the active score and 51 on the eat better score. Chandigarh was found to be the most active city while Delhi much like Mumbai lagged. But when it came to the happiness score (81), Mumbai beat all and even the national average of 55.
“What it means is that we may not be healthier but we are happier. The survey is a good indicator that people in the city need to work on their food habits and include more physical activity. Simple things like walking for five minutes about three to six times in a day can help,” said endocrinologist Dr Shashank Joshi, who consults with Lilavati Hospital, Bandra.
Chandigarh scored the least on the happiness meter. The second lowest was Delhi. In Joshi’s opinion, issues such as security could play an influential role in determining happiness.
Looking into the fitness parametres, the questionnaire-based survey found out that Mumbaikars eat out more than any other city. Merely 3% of these who were interviewed said they never ate out compared to the national average of 13%. At least 59% of Mumbaikars end up skipping a meal. Consumption of wholegrain food is worryingly low. Further, only 35% of Mumbaikars regularly eat fruits compared with 49% in Delhi. Merely 36% of Mumbaikars exercised regularly.
The Saffolalife research has found that cholesterol levels are a huge concern for the city. Close to half the people in Mumbai have never checked their BP and blood sugar levels.
“The survey is a good way to push people to become alert about their heart health,” said Dr S M Sapatnekar, of Medical Nutrition Foundation that developed the scores.
Most Mumbaikars sleep seven to 10 hours a day but only a third sleep well.
