Delhi ranks 2nd last on happiness meter, residents lead sedentary life: Poll

 MUMBAI: Mumbaikars Found To Be The Happiest
Mumbaikars eat unhealthy food and lead a sedentary life but they are a happy lot. A pan-India survey found out that nearly four out of 10 in the city may have high cholesterol levels--one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease. Yet, a mitigating factor could be that it is the happiest place compared with other big cities.

The survey carried out ahead of the World Heart Day rated Mumbai, Delhi, Chandigarh, Bangalore and Kolkata using a healthy lifestyle score--a cumulative indicator of factors, including eating habits, activity levels and happiness. The city shared the third position with Kolkata scoring 67, which means both can do better in eating healthy and adopting better fitness regimes.

Around 38% of Mumbai residents scored low on the lifestyle chart. The city scored a measly 31 on the active score and 51 on the eat better score. Delhi also lagged, whereas Chandigarh was found to be the most active city. But when it came to the happiness score (81), Mumbai beat all and even the national average of 55.

“What it means is that we may not be healthier but we are happier. The survey is a good indicator that people in the city need to work on their food habits and include more physical activity . Simple things like walking for five minutes about three to six times in a day can help,“ said endocrinologist Dr Shashank Joshi, who consults with Lilavati Hospital, Bandra.

Chandigarh scored the least on the happiness meter.The second lowest was Delhi.In Joshi's opinion, issues such as security could play an influential role in determining happiness. Looking into the fitness parametres, the questionnaire-based survey found out that Mumbaikars eat out more than any other city.