ABU DHABI // A study has found that 60 per cent of people in the UAE exercise between one and three times every week.
The results of the research by Zarca Interactive marketing research firm showed this was a 10 per cent increase since the last study, conducted three months ago.
The nationwide online study saw 814 respondents answering the survey, finding visible changes in people’s attitudes towards fitness.
It found 64 per cent of the people check ingredients before purchasing food and 38 per cent follow a balanced diet on a daily basis.
“Compared to the previous study, there is a noticeable growing number of respondents who are getting physically more active and following a healthy lifestyle,” said Javed Farooqui, Zarca Interactive executive director.
“The activities most respondents prefer are walking, running, aerobics, weight training and swimming.”
About 44 per cent of the respondents in the survey said they eat fried foods only during weekends while 12 per cent never eat them, compared to last study’s 39 per cent and 10 per cent respectively.
The study has revealed that of all the surveyed Gulf countries, UAE’s population is the highest in terms of active involvement and engagement in health and fitness campaigns.
About 42 per cent of respondents who answered the survey are actively participating in public and private health campaigns.
arizvi2@thenational.ae