New evidence suggests that sitting for many hours can literally kill you as the habit can take a heavy toll on your heart and blood vessels’ health. Researchers found that prolonged sitting ups mortality risk even if you exercise regularly.
The study which was conducted by the American Heart Association also shows that too much sitting can raise the type 2 diabetes risk as well. The group wrote in the report that it cannot say just how much exercise is needed to offset the drawbacks of prolonged sitting.
Findings Are Not ‘Conclusive’
The association advises Americans to sit less and focus on staying more physically active throughout the day. Study authors concluded that the new findings about the effects of sitting too long are “suggestive” not “conclusive.”
Deborah Rohm, senior researcher involved in the study recommends to sit less and move more until science can quantify the amount of physical exercise needed to counteract the negative impacts of a sedentary behavior.
Half an Hour of Exercise
The group recommends at least half an hour of moderate-intensity exercise such as walking briskly, stair climbing, taking pauses every hour or so etc. But experts are not convinced that 30 minutes of moderate exercise could offset the negative implications of spending too much time in front of a computer screen, staying all day behind the steering wheel, and then coming home and relaxing on the couch in front of the TV or on social media.
Dr. Young added that regardless of the amount of exercise one puts into their daily routine, prolonged sitting can still lead to negative health outcomes and sicken the heart and circulatory system.
Young added that science has yet to fully understand the implications of a sedentary life. She explained that current research has been able only to pinpoint some trends not cause-and-effect relationships.
Study authors noted that in the 1960’s half of the nation’s jobs involved a degree of physical activity, but in recent years just 20 percent of the jobs do.
According to the study, a sedentary behavior includes lying down when not asleep, sitting, watching TV, and staying at the computer. Researchers explained that strolling and light housework do not represent moderate exercise.
The findings were reported by the AHA Monday.
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