Kochi, July 22: Health clubs and aerobics centres are mushrooming in Kerala, which has the dubious distinction of having the second largest number of people in the country with metabolic disorders caused by obesity.
With increased awareness on the health risks posed by obesity, more and more Keralites are flocking health clubs, yoga classes and aerobics centres to shed the extra flab and keep themselves fit.
After Punjab, Kerala has the second largest number of people with metabolic disorders caused by obesity, according to a national study conducted by Obesity and Metabolic Society of India, Mumbai.
Cashing in on the new health fad are the health clubs and fitness centres and suppliers of health equipment.
Vibin Xavier, Branch Manager of Talwalkars, the country’s largest chain of health centres, said women were only 20 per cent of their clients while men formed 70 per cent of their clientele when they opened their first branch in Kerala in 2007 here.
However, it had now become 50-50 ratio and women turning out to be more regular customers than men.
Despite recession, Talwalkars’ income had seen a 10 per cent growth, he said. Well-known Malayalam actors such as Mammootty, Dileep and Prithviraj are their regular clients.
–PTI