Scientists issue crucial warning about sedentary lifestyle
Illustrative photo (Photo: Freepik.com)
The human body is designed for movement, and prolonged sitting can be very harmful to health. A new study from the University of California, San Diego, has shown that prolonged sitting may be even more dangerous than previously thought, according to research published in Inverse.
Scientists have found that people who sit for more than 11 hours a day have a 57% higher risk of death over 10 years compared to those who sit for less than 9.5 hours a day. The risk of early death persisted even with physical activity.
To reduce this risk, experts recommend standing up and moving around, taking breaks from work, and monitoring sitting time using various gadgets.
For the study, nearly 6000 participants aged 63 to 99 were recruited. They were asked to wear activity monitors on their thighs for one week. Researchers then followed them for 10 years. During this time, 1733 participants died.
Data analysis from this study showed that participants who sat for more than 11 hours a day had a significantly higher risk of death than those who sat for less than 9.5 hours a day.
According to UCSD research, the risk of early death persisted even with higher levels of activity, from moderate to vigorous. Scientists also found that increasing physical activity did not eliminate the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, which result from prolonged sitting.
In earlier studies, scientists emphasized that even 7 hours of sitting a day is too much. Additionally, sitting for more than 30 minutes without a break can lead to increased blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
To reduce negative risks, it's important to take frequent breaks from work and move around.
Previously, we wrote about scientists naming one of the most important factors for quality sleep.
We also reported on why buckwheat should be consumed regularly.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
