Our bodies are designed to be active. However, with changes in lifestyle brought about by technological advances that make our lives easier, humans have become more and more sedentary. Sitting disease is a term used to refer to 34 chronic conditions that are associated with a sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise.
When you sit for too long, you use less energy than when you are standing or moving. This lack of movement has been linked to various health problems, such as cognitive decline, obesity, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and even a shorter life expectancy. It is considered one of the most unexpected health threats of modern times.
Sitting disease can be especially problematic for the elderly, since the physical effects of aging can make it more challenging to stay active. Studies have reported that reducing sitting to less than 3 hours a day can increase life expectancy by as much as 2 years.
What are the risks of sitting too much?
Dangers of sitting disease include the following:
- Sitting for long stretches can cause the large leg and gluteal muscles, which are responsible for walking and balance, to weaken. If these muscles become weak, they can lead to injuries and an increased risk of falls.
- Sitting for a long period can cause your hip flexor muscles to shorten, which can then lead to other hip-related problems.
- Sitting for a long time with your legs dangling can cause blood to pool in your legs, which can lead to varicose or spider veins.
- Sitting for a long time hunched over a computer keyboard can cause pain and stiffness in your neck, back, and shoulders.
- Long periods of sitting can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions.
What are the benefits of staying active?
Benefits of sitting less and moving more include the following:
- Standing more can help build your energy and productivity, reduce stress, and help improve your mood.
- Moving around boosts metabolism, tones muscles, and reduces common aches and pains.
- Bones, like muscles, require frequent movements to maintain strength. Even low-level movements and workouts can help improve bone health.
- Blood circulation is important to your overall health, which can be improved by physical activity that encourages blood flow.
- Simple movements, such as standing or walking, can improve blood pressure and lower the risk of heart attack by promoting good cholesterol and lowering bad cholesterol levels.
- Staying active can help increase the enzymes needed for good digestion.
- Fat-burning enzymes in your body stay more activated when you are moving than when you are sitting still.
How to prevent sitting disease
Even though more research is needed to fully investigate the impact of sitting on overall health, it is clear that staying active is better for your health than sitting.
You don’t need to necessarily start a vigorous workout plan to avoid sitting disease. Here are a few simple tips to be more active throughout the day:
- Take a break from sitting every 30 minutes
- Stand or walk while talking on the phone or watching TV
- Try a standing desk for work
- Walk or cycle to work
- Use the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator
QUESTION
What percentage of the human body is water? See AnswerJohns Hopkins Medicine. Sitting Disease: How a Sedentary Lifestyle Affects Heart Health. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/sitting-disease-how-a-sedentary-lifestyle-affects-heart-health
BetterHealth. The dangers of sitting: why sitting is the new smoking. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/the-dangers-of-sitting
Top What Is Considered Sitting Disease Related Articles
5 Dangers of Sitting Too Much
Spending hours sitting during your day might seem normal, but it can damage your body even if you exercise regularly. The 5 dangers of sitting too much include slower metabolism, weight gain, slow circulation, weaker bones, and chronic pain.
7-Minute Workout
The 7-minute workout provides a free, convenient way to get and stay fit. Discover these short, quick exercises that use your own body weight to help you get back into shape.
Can No Activity Cause Dizziness?
Osteoporosis and muscle weakness associated with inactivity play a part in dizziness.
Common Medical Abbreviations & Terms
Doctors, pharmacists, and other health-care professionals use abbreviations, acronyms, and other terminology for instructions and information in regard to a patient's health condition, prescription drugs they are to take, or medical procedures that have been ordered. There is no approved this list of common medical abbreviations, acronyms, and terminology used by doctors and other health- care professionals. You can use this list of medical abbreviations and acronyms written by our doctors the next time you can't understand what is on your prescription package, blood test results, or medical procedure orders. Examples include:
- ANED: Alive no evidence of disease. The patient arrived in the ER alive with no evidence of disease.
- ARF: Acute renal (kidney) failure
- cap: Capsule.
- CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure. A treatment for sleep apnea.
- DJD: Degenerative joint disease. Another term for osteoarthritis.
- DM: Diabetes mellitus. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- HA: Headache
- IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease. A name for two disorders of the gastrointestinal (BI) tract, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- JT: Joint
- N/V: Nausea or vomiting.
- p.o.: By mouth. From the Latin terminology per os.
- q.i.d.: Four times daily. As in taking a medicine four times daily.
- RA: Rheumatoid arthritis
- SOB: Shortness of breath.
- T: Temperature. Temperature is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
Fitness Facts Slideshow
The best way to lose weight? These fast facts show weight loss is possible for everyone trying to lose weight. From calories to fitness, learn the secret to weight loss.
Exercise Quiz
Take our Exercise and Fitness Quiz and learn to maximize your fitness level with simple exercises that do not require major changes to your lifestyle.
Fitness and Exercise: 10 Ways to Exercise If You Hate to Work Out
Learn how to get your heart rate up and build muscle outside of the gym.
Obesity and Overweight
Get the facts on obesity and being overweight, including the health risks, causes, reviews of weight-loss diet plans, BMI chart, symptoms, causes, surgical and nonsurgical treatments, and medications.
OA & Your Joints
Dealing with joint pain and arthritis? Learn why weight matters--and why NOT to stretch before exercise. See these solutions for joint pain and tips to protect your joints from damage.
What Helps Knee Pain from Sitting All Day?
Knee pain can affect people at any age and can result from an injury or some type of medical condition. Things that help knee pain from sitting all day include the right mixture of stretching and strengthening exercises to help by improving joint movement and functioning.