When it comes to health, nobody knows better than doctors about what is right or wrong. However, a survey has found that the gatekeepers of our health are at high risk themselves.
The survey on health and wellness of 1,000 doctors by digital therapeutics company, Fitterfly, has found that over 60 per cent had a BMI in the overweight and obese category, 6 per cent had diabetes, 10 per cent had hypertension, and 5 per cent had diabetes and hypertension. Other common health conditions as observed included dyslipidemia, GI dysfunction, asthma, PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), arthritis, migraine and hypothyroidism.
The survey conducted with doctors in the age groups of 25- 60, of 868 male and 132 female doctors using anthropometry (human body measurements), medical history, BMI category, levels of physical activities, took into account their calories, carbohydrate, fat, micronutrients and protein consumption.
All these doctors entered their meals and activity data in the Fitterfly Wellness App. Fitterfly wellness app has India’s largest database of recipes and micronutrient calculations for various age groups and health conditions.
Further, it was recorded that only 22 per cent of the doctors were physically active; A majority of the doctors also had an imbalance of macronutrients - protein, carbs and fats consumed. At least 67% of the doctors were consuming really low protein as evidenced by less than 10% of their daily calories from protein; An alarmingly high percentage of doctors ie 77% were consuming more than the recommended amounts of fat;
The micronutrient analysis findings showed less than 10% of the doctors surveyed met 75% of the recommended value of various vitamins and minerals like zinc, omega 3 and iron.
The survey also indicated that one of the most important factors contributing to their health index has been faulty dietary habits and exercise regime.
Erratic working hours and long daily schedules have resulted in the medical professionals not focusing on their health.
Dr Arbinder Singal, co-founder and CEO of Fitterfly said “Doctors are the torch-bearers of a nations’ health, playing a vital role in keeping the population free of diseases. But, their hectic work schedules do not allow them to practice what they preach to their patients.
On National Doctors Day we wanted to draw attention to the health quotient of our medical fraternity and urge them to care for themselves while addressing the health of their patients.”
Ringing alarm bell, Dr.Kishore Kumar, Founder Chairman & Neonatologist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Bangalore called for a national study on the mental state of
healthcare workers especially during the present pandemic which, he said, “will be a proof that our healthcare workers are overworked and those who took Covid duty also found themselves without enough sleep.”