Is Sitting too much of a Health Issue?

Did you know that when you sit you are using less energy than when you stand or move? Though that may seem like common sense, it is an important fact that should be kept in mind. Sitting for prolonged periods of time can lead to many health risks that you may not be aware of. If you are someone who works in an office, is a student at a school, or sits in a vehicle for several hours a day you may want to think before you sit.

Research has found that sitting for long periods of time can come with several health concerns. These health issues include: obesity, increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels. Any extended sitting can be harmful in some way and too much sitting overall has shown to increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer. Sitting at a desk, behind a wheel or in front of a screen for more than eight hours a day with no physical activity has a risk factor of dying that’s similar to risks that come from obesity and smoking.

To avoid any of these health risks, there are a lot of ways to counteract sitting for too long. If you can, try to take a break from sitting every 30 minutes and move around. If you just can’t get away from your desk, try a standing desk or use a high table or counter to work. By simply standing rather than sitting you end up using more energy and reduce some of the health risks associated with sitting. Another tip is to take a walk with your coworkers for meetings rather than sit for a meeting in a conference room. If you are someone who has to drive for long periods of time, make sure to take the time to stop at a rest stop and walk around. Walking and staying active is the best way to counteract sitting for too long.

Sitting is great when you want to conserve some energy however there are health risks that can occur if you sit too much. Thankfully there are easy ways to stop sitting all day, you just got to find creative ways to get more active.

For more information on the health risks of sitting too much, click here.

Article written by William Graves.