Sitting too much is common with the large majority of individuals. For those with lifestyle disease, it is now suspected that up to 80% of their waking hours are spent sitting down. We are now seeing current guidelines for health that include recommendations to reduce or interrupt long amounts of time sitting. Emerging research now suggests that sitting time is an independent risk factor for cardiometabolic morbidity, mortality, and cancer. Prolonged sitting can lead to elevated triglyceride levels, lower levels of HDL (the good cholesterol) and decreased insulin sensitivity. Prolonged sitting can also be a problem in that it can be a major cause of back pain.
Studies now also show that by breaking up long bouts of prolonged sitting with standing or light-intensity activity can lead to benefits in metabolic health and decreased risk for lifestyle disease.
It seems clear that the less sitting and more moving contribute to better overall health!
