The dangers of sitting: It may be as Dangerous as Smoking, ways to manage it

• Image Credit: Google

• May 27, 2024 | Guriya Khatun

The consequences of this sedentary lifestyle are alarming, having already claimed lives. Extended periods of sitting without incorporating regular exercise routines can pose serious risks to heart health and overall well-being.

Digital Desk: Is your profession characterized by prolonged periods of sitting? This sedentary lifestyle may significantly impact your health, raising concerns comparable to those of obesity and smoking. The fast-paced work environment, with its emphasis on meeting targets and deadlines, often takes a toll on our well-being. Many individuals find themselves glued to screens for extended periods, neglecting even brief breaks from their desks.

The consequences of this sedentary lifestyle are alarming, having already claimed lives. Extended periods of sitting without incorporating regular exercise routines can pose serious risks to heart health and overall well-being.

Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist from Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, highlighted the dangers of prolonged sitting in a post on the social media platform X.com. He noted that sitting for more than 8 hours daily without engaging in physical activity could elevate the risk of mortality to levels akin to those associated with smoking and obesity. Additionally, he underscored the health hazards linked to prolonged sitting, including an increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol, heart attack, stroke, cancer, and premature death.

To mitigate the adverse effects of prolonged sitting, Dr. Sudhir recommended engaging in 60-75 minutes of moderately intense physical activity daily, such as brisk walking, running, or cycling. He advised taking short standing or walking breaks every 30-45 minutes of sitting and suggested various strategies to minimize sitting duration, such as using standing work desks, conducting meetings and breaks in a standing position, and reducing leisure-time sitting.'

However, Dr. Sudhir cautioned that even regular exercise may not fully counter the detrimental effects of sitting for more than 13 hours daily.

Incorporating healthy meals, exercise, and yoga into daily routines can offer a myriad of benefits, including improved physical and mental well-being. It's essential to prioritize movement throughout the day, even if it's just a brief 5-minute walk during free moments.