Worrisome Health Patterns among Hyderabad IT Workers: Half Identified with Metabolic Syndrome, Study Finds
A recent study conducted by The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) has shed light on the concerning health and lifestyle patterns among IT workers in Hyderabad. The study, which focused on employees in the Information Technology sector, revealed that approximately half of the participants were identified with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), a condition associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular ailments.
The study, published in the international peer-reviewed journal ‘Nutrients,’ examined 183 IT employees ranging from small to large companies, with an average age of around 30 years. While the study acknowledges its limited sample size, it highlighted the presence of MetS in nearly one-third of the participants.
One striking finding of the study was that nearly 46% of the participants experienced three or four health issues related to factors like high waist circumference, low HDL cholesterol, and low biomarker levels. Moreover, the average sitting time for these employees exceeded eight hours on a working day, and only 22% of them reached the recommended level of intentional physical activity of at least 150 minutes per week.
Dr. SubbaRao M Gavaravarapu, the lead investigator of the study and a Scientist F, noted that risky dietary habits were prevalent among the employees, such as not consuming fruits and vegetables daily, skipping meals, and frequently eating outside. He emphasized that stress levels were notably high among senior employees above 30 years, with a significant proportion of them having MetS. Surprisingly, the study revealed that even young employees below 30 years of age exhibited lifestyle risk factors associated with NCDs.
Dr. Hemalatha R, the Director of ICMR-NIN, pointed out that prolonged exposure to these risk factors leads to chronic, low-level inflammation, making employees more susceptible to MetS and NCDs. To address this growing concern, the researchers emphasized the need for targeted nutrition-based Workplace Wellness Programs.
The study team aims to create and evaluate a flexible, multi-component, strategic model of nutrition-based Workplace Intervention as a preventive and promotive approach to tackle the rising concern of NCDs.
This study serves as a wake-up call for IT companies in Hyderabad to prioritize the health and well-being of their employees. With such a high prevalence of MetS and associated health issues among IT workers, it is crucial for organizations to implement effective wellness initiatives that encourage healthier lifestyle choices. By promoting regular physical activity, balanced diets, and stress management techniques, companies can significantly reduce the risk of NCDs among their employees.
Recognizing the mounting evidence on the impact of sedentary work practices and unhealthy habits, employers must proactively support their staff with access to nutritious meals, opportunities for exercise, and proactive measures to manage stress levels. As the workforce becomes increasingly dependent on technology and desk-bound jobs, it is imperative that companies prioritize the well-being of their employees.
The findings of this study highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses both preventive and promotive strategies in the workplace. By prioritizing employee health and wellness, organizations can not only improve the quality of life for their workers but also enhance productivity and create a healthier workforce overall.
