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For those of us who find ourselves sitting at a desk for long periods of time, it’s important to understand the health hazards that can come with prolonged sitting. Sitting down for extended times has been linked to several potential issues like early death, diabetes, heart disease and even cancer. While there are many measures we can take to combat these risks, having an awareness of the dangers posed by our sedentary lifestyles is key in ensuring our long-term health and well being. In this post, we’ll look at some of the most common health hazards associated with prolonged sitting so you can make an informed decision about how best to care for your body when stuck in that office chair!
What are the risks of sitting too much?
One of the main health risks of sitting too much is an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Research has shown that those who sit for extended periods of time are more likely to develop this type of diabetes than those who move regularly throughout the day. This is believed to be due to a decrease in metabolic activity and cell sensitivity when we Qare sedentary. In addition, those who sit for long periods of time are also more likely to gain weight than if they were active, due to a significant decrease in calorie expenditure.
Prolonged sitting has also been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease as well as certain types of cancer. A study published in the British Medical Journal found that those who sit for more than seven hours a day had a 48% higher risk of death from any cause, compared to those who sat less than four hours a day. Furthermore, it was found that sitting too much can also raise the risk of certain types of cancer, including colon and endometrial cancers.
While prolonged sitting is associated with many potential health risks, there are some measures we can take to reduce our risk. Taking regular breaks from sitting and making sure to get up and move around every 20-30 minutes can help to keep us active and prevent the risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle. In addition, implementing an exercise routine into our daily lives is also essential for ensuring our health and well being. Regular physical activity has been shown to improve energy levels, reduce stress, and even decrease the risk of developing certain diseases.
why sitting is the new smoking
Sitting for long periods of time has even been compared to smoking in terms of its potential health risks. Just as tobacco smoke can damage the lungs and increase the risk of certain cancers, research has demonstrated that a sedentary lifestyle can have similar effects on our bodies. Sitting for extended durations has been linked to metabolic syndrome, which is a combination of health issues such as high blood pressure, obesity, elevated cholesterol levels, and increased insulin resistance. All of these factors can increase our risk of heart disease and stroke, making it even more important for us to get up and move around when we find ourselves sitting for extended periods.
How does a sedentary lifestyle affect your body?
The effects of a sedentary lifestyle go beyond the potential health risks mentioned above. Sitting for long periods of time can also lead to increased mental fatigue and decreased alertness. This means that you may find yourself feeling tired and unfocused during the workday, making it more difficult to concentrate and complete tasks efficiently. Prolonged sitting can also cause muscle tension and stiffness, which can lead to pain in the back, neck, and shoulders. Additionally, sitting for too long can reduce mobility and flexibility due to a lack of use.
Overall, it’s important to be aware of the potential health hazards associated with prolonged sitting so we can take steps to prevent them. Taking regular breaks, engaging in physical activity, and making sure to stand up and move around as much as possible are all ways to make sure that we maintain a healthy lifestyle. So the next time you find yourself stuck in an office chair for hours on end, remember to take care of your body!
Legs and glutes (bum muscles)
is also weakened due to a lack of use, which can lead to issues with balance and stability. Those who spend long periods of time sitting have been found to be more likely to develop certain types of cancer and type 2 diabetes than those who move regularly throughout the day. This is believed to be due to a decrease in metabolic activity and cell sensitivity when our bodies remain inactive for extended periods of time. Additionally, sitting for long hours has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease as well as certain types of mental health issues. A 2016 study found that individuals who sat for eight hours or more per day were 15% more likely to suffer from depression than those who sat for four or fewer hours per day.
Some Little But Useful Things To Do
– Making sure to stand up and move around as much as possible
– Implementing an exercise routine into our daily lives
– Taking regular breaks from sitting and getting up to move around every 20-30 minutes
– Increasing our metabolic activity and cell sensitivity by staying active throughout the day
– Reducing muscle tension and stiffness that can lead to pain in the back, neck, and shoulders
– Improving stability, balance and flexibility by exercising regularly
– Decreasing our risk of developing certain diseases by engaging in physical activity
– Improving our mental health and energy levels with regular exercise.
Conclusion
It is important to be aware of the health risks associated with sitting too much and take measures to reduce them. Taking regular breaks, getting up and moving around throughout the day, and engaging in regular physical activity can all help to ensure our long-term health and wellbeing. Being mindful of our sedentary lifestyles is the key in preventing the potential dangers we face from sitting for too long.
