Pinoys top Asians in lack of regular exercise

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines topped the list of countries in Asia with individuals lacking regular exercise, according to the Sun Life Financial Asia Health Index for 2016.

Results of the index presented to the media yesterday showed the Philippines, along with Thailand and Malaysia, had a majority or 61 percent of the population who were not having any regular physical activity.

The index also showed 30 percent of the population who feel less healthy now compared to three years ago.

Among the key barriers identified by Filipinos to having a healthier life are lack of time due to work (57 percent), lack of personal motivation (47 percent), distractions of modern life (47 percent), cost (45 percent) and lack of venues for sports and recreation (35 percent).

Based on the latest findings, Sun Life Philippines president and chief executive officer Riza Mantaring said it appears the segment of the population called “Generation O,” or those who are overworked, overweight and overwhelmed, still exists.

“Basically, there are many obstacles that Filipinos feel keep them from pursuing their health goals, if they even have any at all,” she said.

While the Philippines is among the top countries lacking exercise, the same research showed Filipinos are among the most optimistic about the state of their health, as it garnered a score of 89 on the overall health index.

The same research showed 83 percent of Filipinos also want to exercise to feel healthy and to improve their mental health.

Launched in 2014, the research takes a look at health trends in Asia.

The results of the latest research is based on a survey covering a sample of 4,000 individuals aged 25 to 60 years old with middle class incomes from the Philippines, mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, conducted in August last year.