A landmark 10-year study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), involving over 50,000 participants across 12 cities, has found that a daily 30-minute brisk walk can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 40% in Indians between the ages of 35 and 65.
The research, published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, controlled for diet, smoking, and family history. The results were consistent across all demographic groups, though the benefit was particularly pronounced in urban professionals with sedentary lifestyles.
"Indians are genetically predisposed to cardiovascular disease at younger ages than Western populations," said lead researcher Dr. Priya Menon. "This study confirms that even modest, consistent physical activity is a powerful intervention."
The study also found that walking pace matters — a brisk pace (approximately 5 km/h) was significantly more effective than a leisurely stroll. Morning walks showed marginally better outcomes, possibly due to lower pollution levels and more consistent habit formation.
The ICMR is now recommending that walking be formally incorporated into national public health guidelines.
