Why Sitting Too Much Is Bad For Your Health?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Research has linked sitting for long periods of time with a number of health concerns. They include

obesity and a cluster of conditions

— increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels — that make up metabolic syndrome.

What are the side effects of sitting too long?

Research has linked sitting for long periods of time with a number of health concerns. They include

obesity and a cluster of conditions

— increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels — that make up metabolic syndrome.

Why is sitting too much not good for the human body?

It is thought

excessive sitting slows the metabolism

– which affects our ability to regulate blood sugar and blood pressure, and metabolise fat – and may cause weaker muscles and bones. Research on astronauts in the early 70s found life in zero gravity was linked with accelerated bone and muscle loss and ageing.

How long is too long for sitting?

“Persons with uninterrupted sedentary bouts of 30 minutes or more had the highest risk for death if total sedentary time also exceeded

12.5 hours per day

,” noted Alter.

What happens if you sit all day?

If you sit too much, your brain could look just like that of someone with dementia. Sitting also raises your

risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure

, and high cholesterol, which all play a role in the condition.

How many hours should you sit a day?

LOW risk indicates sitting less than 4 hours per day. MEDIUM risk indicates sitting

4 to 8 hours per day

. HIGH risk indicates sitting 8 to 11 hours per day. VERY HIGH risk indicates sitting more than 11 hours per day.

How can I reverse the effects of sitting all day?

  1. Start Moving. This is as straightforward as it sounds. …
  2. Stand Up. …
  3. Strategic Stretches and Exercises. …
  4. Cat and Cow Yoga Stretches. …
  5. Planks. …
  6. Mountain Climbers. …
  7. Glute Bridges.

How often should you get up from sitting?

Research has warned time and time again that “sitting disease” is real. But if you’re sitting all day at work, you should get up

every 30 minutes

and move to cut your risk of death, a new study is advising.

Is sitting worse than lying down?

The short answer is that

inactivity is the culprit

, whether you are sitting or lying down. “The mode or type of sedentary behavior doesn’t matter,” said John P. … None of that happens when we sit in a chair or lounge in bed. Instead, our big muscles are slack and levels of blood sugar and bad cholesterol rise.

What happens if you sit for 11 hours a day?

Adults who sit 11 or more hours per day have

a 40 percent increased risk of dying in the next 3 years

, compared with those who sat for fewer than 4 hours a day, according to a study led by the University of Sydney. This was after taking into account their physical activity, weight and health status.

How many hours a day should you be on your feet?

The magic number is

two hours of standing

or moving around instead of sitting per day, University of Queensland researchers say.

Can too much sitting cause leg pain?

Leg pain can have many causes, but your description of aching after prolonged standing or sitting suggests a possible buildup of fluid in the leg veins (

chronic venous disease

, venous insufficiency).

Is sitting cross legged bad?

Sitting with

your legs crossed won’t cause a medical emergency

. However, it can cause a temporary increase in your blood pressure and lead to poor posture. For optimum health, try to avoid sitting in any one position, whether you cross your legs or not, for long periods of time.

What should I eat if I sit all day?

  • Berries. If you love fruit, Berries make a perfect food for your type of lifestyle. …
  • Nuts. Nuts give you a good supply of omega-3 fatty acids that are also helpful against inflammation. …
  • Olive Oil. …
  • Pineapple. …
  • Turmeric. …
  • Garlic. …
  • Avocado. …
  • Green Tea.

Does sitting make your thighs bigger?


Yes

, according to the study, which was recently published in the journal Cell Physiology. The researchers concluded that the pressure placed on the buttocks and hips from too much sitting or lying down can generate significant fat build-up in those areas.

How much exercise do you need if you sit all day?

A new study finds that

30 to 40 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity

may counteract sitting at a desk all day and help you reset after a holiday binge.

Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.