Over 79 per cent of the women aged between 20 and 60 years in Mumbai reported deficiency and insufficiency of vitamin D. While 28 per cent reported deficiency and 51 per cent reported insufficiency, said Metropolis Healthcare Ltd study.

Over 58 per cent of the women aged between 20 and 60 years in Mumbai are anemic while 54 per cent are diabetic, said a press note issued by Metropolis which analysed and studied samples of women who underwent testing at its facility for a period of one year (2015). The study was conducted by Metropolis to understand the most common health problems faced by women in Mumbai and its intensity.

Over 36 per cent of the women aged between 20 and 60 years reported borderline or high cholesterol.

Eleven per cent of all samples tested positive for hyperthyroidism and 23 per cent of samples tested positive for hypothyroidism. Around 14.81 per cent of women in the age group of 20-60 years, out of the sample size of 11027 samples analysed by Metropolis are vitamin B12 deficient.

Commenting on the study, Dr. Sonali Kolte, general manager, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd, said “Women are susceptible to an array of health problems and most of it goes undetected for a long period of time due to either lack of knowledge or busy lifestyle. The top condition that affects women is vitamin D deficiency which is essential for overall good health and strong bones and also helps the body fight infection. Even a 15 minute exposure to sunlight or supplements can correct this deficiency. This study by Metropolis is an effort to spread awareness among women on the most prevalent preventable conditions amongst women. Women really need to take control of their health and wellness”

“While you can't eliminate risk factors such as family history, you can control many other risk factors by adopting a healthier lifestyle. Eat a healthy diet. Choose vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber foods and lean sources of protein, such as fish. Limit foods high in saturated fat, added sugar and sodium. Maintain a healthy weight. Losing excess pounds — and keeping them off — can lower your risk of heart disease. Include physical activity in your daily routine. Exercise can help you control your weight and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. Choose activities that you enjoy like brisk walking and swimming or just any outdoor activity,” said Dr. Kolte.

Metropolis has the pathology specialists delivering over 30 million tests a year, catering to more than 10,000 laboratories, hospitals, nursing homes and 2,00,000 consultants. It has presence in UAE, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Kenya, Mauritius and Ghana.