Pune: Recent Study Reveals Alarming Lifestyle Trends Among IT Professionals, Predicts High Risk of Non-Communicable Diseases

A recent study conducted by the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed) University, Pune, has uncovered concerning lifestyle trends among IT professionals in Pune. The study, conducted between April and May 2023 across various IT companies, aimed to assess lifestyle determinants and predict the risk of future non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in this population.

Titled ‘Assessing the Lifestyle-related Determinants among Employees Working in the IT Sector of Pune City,’ the study was published in the Indian Journal of Community Medicine in January. It revealed that 67% of IT professionals experience stress, with 63.5% reporting moderate stress and 3.4% facing high stress. Alarmingly, only 6.7% of participants were found to be physically active, while 56.3% were physically inactive.

The research team, including assistant professors Arti Muley and Anu Mahajan, along with nutritionist Ishwa Prerak Desai, used a modified questionnaire to gather data on stress levels, physical activity, sleep patterns, BMI, ultra-processed food consumption, and substance use. Key findings included:

• 41% of participants had a high BMI.
• 37.5% reported irregular sleep schedules.
• 89.5% used electronic devices within an hour before bed.
• Nearly half consumed packaged foods 2-3 times per week, while only 20% brought homemade lunches.
• Smoking (6-10 cigarettes per day) and alcohol consumption were prevalent, influenced by workplace culture and social circles.

The study highlighted that poor dietary habits, high stress levels, and sedentary lifestyles are directly linked to the rising risk of NCDs among IT professionals. Dr. Shrinivas Kolod, Medical Superintendent at Regional Mental Hospital, Yerwada, emphasized that work-related stress, driven by demanding workloads and rapid technological changes, further exacerbates health issues, reported HT.

Recommendations to Promote Healthier Lifestyles for IT Professionals in Pune

The findings of the study underscore the urgent need for actionable measures to improve the health and well-being of IT professionals in Pune. To address the rising risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and promote healthier lifestyles, the following recommendations are proposed:

1. Workplace Wellness Programs:
   Organizations should develop and implement comprehensive wellness programs that focus on physical activity, nutrition, stress management, and sleep hygiene. These programs can include:
   • Educational workshops on healthy eating and stress reduction techniques.
   • Access to on-site or subsidized fitness facilities.
   • Provision of healthy food options in cafeterias and vending machines.
   • Resources such as mindfulness sessions, yoga classes, and sleep improvement tools.
2. Policy-Level Interventions:
   Companies should adopt policies that encourage a healthier work environment, such as:
   • Mandatory short breaks to reduce prolonged sedentary behavior.
   • Flexible work hours to help employees maintain a better work-life balance.
   • Initiatives to reduce excessive workloads and improve work organization.
3. Collaborative Efforts:
   A collaborative approach involving IT companies, local authorities, and healthcare professionals can create a supportive ecosystem. This could include:
   • Partnerships with nutritionists, fitness experts, and mental health professionals to provide tailored guidance.
   • Community-driven initiatives like marathons, health camps, and awareness campaigns.
   • Government policies that incentivize companies to prioritize employee health and well-being.

By implementing these recommendations, the IT sector in Pune can take proactive steps to mitigate the risk of NCDs, enhance productivity, and foster a healthier, more balanced lifestyle for its workforce.

The study concluded that urgent preventive measures, such as promoting physical activity, stress management, and healthier dietary choices, are needed to mitigate the growing risk of chronic NCDs in this population.

Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is based on the research paper published in the Indian Journal of Community Medicine. There may be interpretation errors. Readers are suggested to refer to the study for a more accurate assessment and recommendations, instead of solely relying on this article.