Prolonged sitting has become a common lifestyle habit in today’s world with the increasing use of technology and sedentary jobs. While it may seem like a comfortable way to pass the time, it is actually a major contributor to a range of health hazards. Here are 10 health hazards of prolonged sitting that you need to be aware of wellhealthorganic.com:health-hazards-of-prolonged-sitting:
wellhealthorganic.com:health-hazards-of-prolonged-sitting: Obesity:
Prolonged sitting slows down the metabolism and leads to weight gain, which can contribute to obesity.
This is because when you are sitting, you are not burning as many calories as you would be if you were standing or moving.
Long durations of sitting have been related to a variety of health issues, according to research.
Obesity is one of them, as is metabolic syndrome, a group of disorders that includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels.
wellhealthorganic.com:health-hazards-of-prolonged-sitting: Back Pain:
Sitting for long periods of time puts pressure on your lower back, neck, and spine, which can cause pain and discomfort. This is because the back muscles are not being used and are weakening, leading to poor posture.
Sitting for lengthy periods of time can create back discomfort, raise tension in the back, neck, arms, and legs, and put a significant amount of strain on the back muscles and spinal discs.
wellhealthorganic.com:health-hazards-of-prolonged-sitting: Heart Disease:
Prolonged sitting has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. This is because sitting slows down the flow of blood and reduces the production of good cholesterol.
A major analysis of research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2015 indicated that sitting for lengthy periods of time was related to poorer health outcomes such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and cancer, even after controlling for physical activity.
Sedentary behavior can also raise your chance of death, whether from heart disease or another medical condition.
wellhealthorganic.com:health-hazards-of-prolonged-sitting: Diabetes:
Prolonged sitting has been linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. This is because sitting slows down the metabolism and makes it harder for the body to regulate insulin levels.
Long durations of sitting raise your chances of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality.
However, interspersing inactive time with mild movement helps lower those dangers while also resulting in stronger muscles and a larger daily calorie burn.
wellhealthorganic.com:health-hazards-of-prolonged-sitting: Varicose Veins:
Prolonged sitting can cause varicose veins, which are swollen veins that can be seen through the skin.
This is because sitting for long periods of time increases the pressure in the veins, making it more difficult for the blood to flow back to the heart.
Long durations of sitting or standing can cause blood to pool in the leg veins, raising the pressure within the veins.
The increasing pressure might cause veins to stretch. This may weaken the vein walls and harm the valves.
wellhealthorganic.com:health-hazards-of-prolonged-sitting: Deep Vein Thrombosis:
Prolonged sitting can cause deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot that can form in the legs. This is because sitting for long periods of time reduces the circulation of blood in the legs, making it more likely that a blood clot will form.
wellhealthorganic.com:health-hazards-of-prolonged-sitting: Poor Circulation:
Prolonged sitting can cause poor circulation, which can lead to a range of health problems. This is because sitting for long periods of time reduces the flow of blood, making it more difficult for the body to get the nutrients and oxygen it needs.
wellhealthorganic.com:health-hazards-of-prolonged-sitting: Decreased Bone Density:
Prolonged sitting can cause decreased bone density, which can lead to osteoporosis.
This is because sitting for long periods of time reduces the amount of weight-bearing exercise, which is important for maintaining strong bones.
Bone is a living tissue that is continually breaking down and being rebuilt. Osteoporosis, or bone weakening, occurs when the formation of new bone does not keep up with the loss of old bone.
When you’re young, your body creates new bone quicker than it degrades old bone, so your bone mass grows. Bone mass is lost quicker than it is formed as people age.
This “thinning” of the bones (Osteoporosis) makes them brittle and increases your risk of fracture. Most osteoporosis-related fractures occur in the hip, wrist, or spine.
The natural aging process, increased inactive hours, and decreased weight-bearing activities can all contribute to faster bone loss and weakening in older persons.
wellhealthorganic.com:health-hazards-of-prolonged-sitting: Poor Posture:
Prolonged sitting can cause poor posture, which can lead to back, neck, and shoulder pain. This is because sitting for long periods of time can cause the muscles to weaken and lead to poor posture.
Mental Health Issues:
Prolonged sitting can also have an impact on mental health, as it can cause feelings of isolation and loneliness.
This is because sitting for long periods of time can make it more difficult to connect with others and can contribute to feelings of boredom and depression.
We don’t understand the relationships between sitting and mental health as well as we do the ties between sitting and physical health, but we do know that those who sit more are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression.
This might be due to the fact that those who spend a lot of time sitting miss out on the benefits of physical activity and fitness. If this is the case, getting up and moving may be beneficial.
Conclusion
In conclusion, prolonged sitting is a major contributor to a range of health hazards, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, poor circulation, decreased bone density, poor posture, and mental health issues.
To avoid these health hazards, it is important to take breaks from sitting every 30 minutes and to engage in regular physical activity.
You can also use a standing desk, go for a walk or engage in stretching exercises to keep your body active and healthy.
