Sitting Too Much? Here Is How It Can Affect Your Health

A large number of people spend nearly seven to eight hours sitting down every day without realizing the potential health hazards that the habit can pose. The chief factors responsible behind excessive sitting time include urbanisation and advancements in technology. These changes brought down mobility and increased sitting tenure of individuals working in office or travelling to their workplaces. Meanwhile, children spend long durations watching television, surfing internet, completing homework, and travelling to their schools that also enhanced their sitting time. The article will highlight the potential side effects of too much sitting:

Disadvantage of Excessive Sitting Time

Weak Legs: When you spend long hours sitting, you do not use your lower body muscles to keep you up. It can cause muscle atrophy also known as weakening of muscles. In the absence of robust leg and glute muscles for stabilizing your body, the risk of injury to the body surges, according to a report featured in healthline.

Gain In Weight: With consistent movement your muscle can easily release molecules such as lipoprotein lipase that helps in processing the sugar and fat you eat during the day. With most time getting spent sitting, there is decline in release of such molecules that can put your rear end at higher risk of widening. Rear end widening implies accumulation of fat in the buttocks caused as a result of inactive lifestyle. Meanwhile, individuals who spent excessive time sitting, tend to put on weight around their belly.

Chronic Pain: The back and hip areas are likely to suffer the most with excessive sitting time as it may cause the hip flexors to shorten and incorrect seating posture may cause backache, especially if you have not been using ergonomic chair. Extended period of sitting may cause the hip flexor muscles (that connect the spine, legs and pelvis) to become stiff leading to low back pain. Incorrect posture can also lead to compression on disc in the spine and may cause premature degeneration thus giving you chronic pain.

Rise In Cardiovascular Diseases: Excessive sitting time can also pose great risk to you cardiovascular health and has the potential of hurting the heart. According to a study conducted by National Library of Science, prolonged sitting is linked to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Excessive sitting time is associated with higher CVD morbidity and mortality. These studies highlight that presently people spend increased time in front  of computer at work and home, watching TV, playing video games, communicating on phone, and travelling to work.  

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.