If you sit for extended periods of time, it can be harmful to your health because you use less energy than you would standing or moving. Studies have shown that sitting for more than eight hours a day at a desk, behind a wheel, or in front of a screen without any physical activity, can put you at an increased risk of dying. This risk is similar to the risk of dying from smoking and obesity.

There are a number of health concerns associated with metabolic syndrome that come with sitting for prolonged periods of time. They include high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and excess fat around the waist. You also put yourself at risk of death from cancer and cardio vascular disease.

An analysis of data from 13 studies with more than 1 million people found that just 60-75 minutes of moderately intense physical activity daily countered the effects of sitting too much. It was also found in another study that the sitting time contributed little to the mortality of those who were more active.

It’s pretty easy to add more movement throughout your day so that you can decrease the amount of time you sit. With a little conscious effort, you can incorporate some of these ideas regularly to improve your health.

Find ways to walk while you are work.
Stand rather than sit when you have a chance at work.
If you work at a desk, try a standing desk or move to a higher counter.
Have walking meetings rather than sitting for meetings.
If you are able, put your computer on a work surface above a treadmill so that you can be in motion while you work. .
Stand while watching television or talking on the phone.

Although more studies are needed on the effects of sitting and physical activity on health, it is clear that more movement and less sitting will contribute to better health. The overall impact on movement can be a game changer. You will have more energy, burn more calories, both of which may lead to weight loss. Not only does physical activity help you to keep moving and maintain muscle tone, it helps us with our mental health as we age.

J

Judy is the Business Manager at Body Elite. She has been a dedicated client of Body Elite since March 12, 2015. She studied Criminal Justice in college and has a background in customer service. In addition to Body Elite, she oversees the business end of her husband’s contracting business and runs a preschool. In her spare time, Judy has stayed active with volunteer work and community service. She has 6 children, and 4 grandchildren.

Reference: Mayo Clinic Healthy Lifestyle Adult Health, with Edward R. Laskowski, M.D. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/sitting/faq-20058005

The Risks of Sitting Too Much