“Sitting has become more dangerous than smoking, and it kills more people than HIV,” says James Levine, a professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic. “We are sitting to death.”
What is the reason behind these risks?
The answer is that continuous sitting leads to high blood glucose levels, which boosts insulin levels and increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease, and even contributes to the proliferation of cancer cells. While when we move, even just standing, excess amounts of glucose are burned.
Many studies have shown the effects of prolonged sitting on our health.
In a study that included nearly half a million people in Taiwan, it was found that those who remain seated at work “are 34% more likely to die from heart disease, and 16% more likely to die from all other causes, including cancer, compared to those who move during their working hours.”
But what if your job requires sitting for long hours? Some may consider using standing desks as a solution. Despite what is being circulated about the benefits of these offices, a recent Australian study showed that standing for long periods without moving also carries health risks, such as increasing the risk of circulatory diseases. However, static sitting has been shown to be much more harmful than static standing.
So what is the solution? Standing is better than sitting, but the most important thing is constant movement
Standing helps improve good posture, strengthens the trunk muscles, and helps burn more calories. For example, when standing, an additional 8 calories are burned per hour.
If your job is a desk, the best option is to get a desk that can convert between sitting and standing positions. It is also preferable to take regular breaks, or even use a small treadmill that can be placed under the desk.
In the end, it can be said that the problem lies in staying in one position for long periods. The solution lies in movement. Even simple activity, such as standing or walking, will have a significant impact on your health in the long term.
The report was prepared by Professor Rob Galloway, a British consultant physician specializing in general medicine and community health.
Source: Daily Mail
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**Interview with Dr. Sarah Thompson, Public Health Expert and Researcher**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Thompson! We’re glad to have you here today to discuss the alarming insights from recent research regarding sedentary behavior.
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me! It’s a critical topic that affects so many of us today.
**Editor:** James Levine made a bold statement saying that “sitting has become more dangerous than smoking.” What are your thoughts on that?
**Dr. Thompson:** It’s a striking comparison, but the evidence supporting prolonged sitting as a significant health risk is mounting. Studies have revealed that extended periods of inactivity can lead to a range of chronic diseases, much like smoking does. The comparison highlights the urgent need for us to reconsider our daily habits.
**Editor:** What are the physiological reasons behind the risks associated with excessive sitting?
**Dr. Thompson:** Great question. When we sit for extended periods, our bodies enter a state where blood glucose levels remain high. Elevated glucose contributes to increased insulin levels, which can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes. Moreover, it can promote heart disease and even facilitate cancer cell proliferation. Conversely, when we engage in movement, even minor activities like standing, our bodies burn off excess glucose, mitigating these risks.
**Editor:** The BMC Public Health study you’re referring to suggests a direct correlation between increased sedentary behavior and chronic disease prevalence. Can you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Thompson:** Certainly! The study indicates that as our lifestyles become more sedentary—thanks in part to technological advances—the rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and certain cancers have risen. This may also relate to changes in societal structures, like remote work, where people find themselves sitting for longer durations without breaks.
**Editor:** What measures do you think individuals can take to counteract the dangers of prolonged sitting?
**Dr. Thompson:** It’s essential to incorporate small, strategic movements into daily routines. Simple actions like standing while on calls, using a standing desk, or taking short walking breaks throughout the day can significantly reduce the health risks associated with sitting. Additionally, setting reminders to move can be an effective way to encourage this behavior.
**Editor:** Ultimately, what message do you want to convey to our readers about sedentary behavior?
**Dr. Thompson:** I’d emphasize that sitting is not just a habit; it’s a health risk that we can all manage. By fostering a culture of movement in our daily lives, we have the power to lower our disease risk—and improve our overall well-being.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for sharing your insights on this important topic. It’s been enlightening.
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me! Let’s keep the conversation going to promote healthier, more active lifestyles.
