The Dangers Of Sitting For Too Long
This is a collaborative post
A few years ago, there was a media storm about the dangers of sitting. All of a sudden, it went from something that couch potatoes did on a Saturday morning to the new smoking, something that could shorten your life by a decade or more.
Research on sitting is mixed, but there are now several themes in the literature, of which you should be aware.
Extra Body Fat Around The Waist
Sitting for prolonged periods is associated with increased fat around the waist. People who don’t regularly stand up and walk around are at a much higher risk of this type of central weight gain.
Unfortunately, a lot of the increase in weight occurs in areas that you can’t see, deep within the body. People gain weight around their organs which affects metabolism and makes them less healthy over time.
Higher Cholesterol
If you eat meat or cheese and spend a lot of time sitting, you are also at risk of developing higher cholesterol levels. If blood lipids go too high, it can result in arterial plaques which eventually become dangerous.
You can lower your cholesterol by taking daily walks and making sure that you get plenty of exercise. If you are housebound, consider exercising by following various programs on the TV.
Higher Blood Sugar Levels
Lack of exercise and extended sitting can also increase blood sugar levels, something that you’ll want to keep down as you age. If you sit for too long, it can dramatically increase the risk of developing conditions, such as diabetes.
Back Pain
Then there are back pain issues. When you spend a lot of time sitting, it puts pressure on the spine. Over time, it can change shape and the tissues that comprise it can become damaged.
You’ll want to speak to a physio if you are experiencing any pain or trouble moving. They will recommend that you actually move more, particularly if you have stiffness in the lower back.
Conclusion
Even though all of this might sound a little scary, it’s worth noting that you can counteract many of the effects of sitting for too long. Studies show, for instance, that people who get around 60 minutes of physical activity per day can actually undo some of the effects of sitting on their bodies. A moderate amount of exercise and physical activity is enough to shock the body into protecting itself against all that time spent in the chair.
If you are worried, there are other things that you can do on top of this. For instance, get up and walk around every 30 minutes or so. Remaining consistently active while you work can help tremendously.
You can also try using a standing desk. The effects of standing are superior to sitting, though not as good as continuous movement.
You can also try changing your job so that you can move more. Just slight changes in your working patterns can have a significant impact on your overall health.
So that’s a wrap. Will you aim to sit less in the future?
