A sedentary lifestyle means that a person does not move around much and spends a lot of time sitting or lying down. They do not get much physical activity or exercise. Instead, they might spend a long time watching TV, sitting at a desk, or using their phone or computer without moving around much. today’s work culture also promotes a sedentary lifestyle. With the rise of office-based jobs, technology, and desk-bound work, many people spend long hours sitting at their desks, often with minimal breaks for physical activity.
Additionally, the prevalence of remote work, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has further reduced activity for some individuals, as they may spend even more time sitting without the need to commute or move around the office. While occasional rest is necessary, prolonged periods of inactivity can lead to numerous health hazards. This lack of movement can lead to health problems like obesity, heart disease, and muscle weakness. Prolonged sitting with devices like computers, and mobile phones has led to problems with eye health also.
Here are some ways in which a sedentary lifestyle can take a toll on your health:
- Obesity: Lack of physical activity contributes to weight gain and obesity. When you do not burn enough calories through movement, the excess energy is stored in the body as fat. Over a period of time, this can lead to obesity, which increases the risk of various other health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, joint problems, and certain cancers.
- Heart disease or cardiovascular diseases: Sitting for long periods can negatively affect cardiovascular health. It is associated with increased blood pressure, higher cholesterol levels, and a higher risk of developing heart disease. This increases the chances of experiencing cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes. Lack of physical activity weakens the heart muscle and impairs circulation, leading to these conditions.
- Muscle Weakness and Loss of Flexibility: Sitting for long periods can lead to muscle stiffness, weakness, and loss of flexibility. This can increase the risk of injuries and make it difficult to perform everyday tasks.
- Poor Bone Health: Lack of weight-bearing activity, such as walking or resistance training, can lead to decreased bone density and increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, especially in older adults.
- Poor Posture and Back Pain: Sitting for long periods can lead to poor posture, which can cause back, neck, and shoulder pain. It can also lead to spinal misalignment and increase the risk of developing chronic back problems.
- High blood sugar/ Diabetes: Physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for developing diabetes. When you sit for long periods, your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels becomes impaired. Regular physical activity helps improve insulin sensitivity and allows cells to utilize glucose for energy in a better way. Without this activity, the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes increases.
- Mental Health Issues: When individuals engage in minimal physical activity, they often experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. This lack of movement can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine, which are crucial for regulating mood and emotions.
Sedentary behavior is often associated with poor sleep quality, further increasing mental health problems. Moreover, the sedentary lifestyle often leads to social isolation, as individuals may spend more time alone, disconnected from social interactions that are vital for emotional well-being.
- Increased Risk of Certain Cancers: Several mechanisms underline the association between sedentary behavior and cancer development. Sedentary individuals often have higher levels of obesity and excess body fat, which are known risk factors for several types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, and endometrial cancers. Excess body fat can lead to inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and insulin resistance, all of which can promote tumor growth and progression.
Physical activity plays a crucial role in regulating various metabolic pathways and immune functions, which are essential for detecting and eliminating abnormal cells that may develop into cancer. Regular exercise can enhance the body’s ability to repair DNA damage and reduce oxidative stress, both of which can lead to cancer.
Additionally, sedentary lifestyles often coincide with other unhealthy habits, such as poor dietary choices, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption, all of which further increase the risk of cancer. Lack of physical activity may also contribute to disruptions in circadian rhythms, which have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers.
- Reduced Life Expectancy: Several studies have shown that a sedentary lifestyle is associated with a shorter life expectancy because of increased chances of lifestyle-related illnesses. Lack of physical activity increases the risk of developing chronic diseases and other health complications that can ultimately lead to premature death.
To mitigate the risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle, individuals should incorporate regular physical activity into their daily routine. This can include activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, or participating in some sort of sports activity. Taking frequent breaks from sitting or standing for prolonged periods can help reduce the negative effects of inactivity on the body. A smartwatch or a health-tracking app may be useful to track your walking and other physical activity during the day.
Engaging in strength training exercises can also help improve muscle strength and endurance, which are important for overall health and mobility. Furthermore, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting the intake of processed foods and sugary drinks can support overall well-being and reduce the risk of chronic diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle.
Adopt good posture while sitting to avoid problems with the spine. Offices should encourage an active work culture by having physical activity-related employee engagement activities like ‘sports days,’ having in-house gym and recreation centers, etc. Every day sports and physical activity should be made mandatory in educational institutions.
Making small, sustainable changes to daily habits can lead to significant improvements in overall health and reduce the risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle.