Sitting for too long can kill you. According to experts, exercise can not offset the damage caused by prolonged sitting. Even those who work out regularly have an increased risk of disease and early death if they spend too much time sitting. Yet, the average office worker spends over 10 hours at a desk. IT professionals, call center agents, accountants, and other specialists sit for over 12 hours a day, which puts them at risk for a host of diseases.
Prolonged sitting has been linked to higher rates of cardiovascular disorders, type II diabetes, obesity, hypertension, osteoporosis, and colon cancer. Those who have this habit are more likely to gain weight and develop insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and high cholesterol. Too much sitting increases the risk of death from all causes.
What’s interesting is that exercise can not counteract the harmful effects of sitting. Even those who engage in physical activity for 150 minutes a week are affected. Regardless of how much exercise you do, prolonged sitting can negatively impact cardiovascular health and blood vessels. Researchers have also found a direct link between sitting time and dementia, cancer, and metabolic disorders.
Sitting for just 30 minutes a day causes changes in metabolism, increases bad cholesterol, lowers good cholesterol, and elevates blood pressure. It also triggers inflammation, affects mental alertness, and raises blood sugar levels. The worst part is that you can’t out-exercise a sedentary job.
More and more companies are replacing traditional office chairs with Swiss balls or standing desks. Some have already implemented walking meetings into their schedule. Employees have access to fully equipped gyms that allow them to take a break from work and get moving. However, these measures are still a work in progress. If your employer doesn’t provide these facilities, or you’re working from home, try to stay active throughout the day. Take a walk on your lunch break, do stretching exercises at your desk, and move around as often as you can.
