Women in India consume 13% lesser protein than men

Mobile health and fitness company HealthifyMe has released a series of key insights on the eating patterns of women and men across India. The report titled ‘HealthifyMeter Gender Watch 2017’ is based on 60 million food records of over 1.5 million HealthifyMe app users across approximately 200,000 locations in the country. Half of these users are women. According to dietary recommendations, the consumption of protein is consistently lower amongst women in India as compared to men.

Commenting on the findings of the report, Tushar Vashisht, Co-founder & CEO, HealthifyMe said, “As per our data reported on our app, the biggest red flag in this report is how women in India are consuming 13 per cent less protein than men from an energy contribution standpoint. Not only does protein deficiency cause symptoms like a slow metabolism, trouble losing weight, fatigue, poor concentration, and mood swings among others, it is also a lifestyle risk that reduces immunity.”

Commenting on the HealthifyMeter Gender Watch report, Dr Ambrish Mithal, Chairman and Head of Endocrinology and Diabetes Division, Medanta Hospitals said, “Data from India has consistently shown lower than recommended protein intakes. The HealthifyMeter Gender Watch 2017 Report highlights the disadvantageous disparity in protein intake by women in even amongst urban, educated Indians.

Lower intake of protein means greater muscle loss and lower muscle mass and strength, thereby increasing the risk of falls and fractures as we grow older. As it is women are more prone to Osteoporosis than men. Lower protein intake makes them even more prone to fractures. I am glad that HealthifyMe has collected this data and is sharing it with all of us.”