Discover the harmful effects of prolonged sitting and the importance of breaking up sitting time with movement. Learn about the potential health risks of excessive standing and the need to find a balance between sitting and standing for optimal health. Explore a school in East London implementing an active movement program to combat sedentary behavior.
Prolonged sitting increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and early mortality, with higher risks associated with longer sitting durations.
Regular breaks from sitting and incorporating light activities throughout the day can counteract the negative metabolic effects of sitting, improving overall health and reducing the risk of various health issues.
Deep dives
Excessive sitting and its impact on health
Sitting for prolonged periods can have detrimental effects on our health. People who sit for more than 9 hours a day have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even early mortality. The risks escalate quickly as sitting time increases, with a 192% higher risk for those sitting for 12 hours compared to 7.5 hours. Regular breaks from sitting are crucial, as they reduce glucose and insulin levels. Even light activities like standing or walking can significantly increase energy expenditure and improve overall health.
Sitting and its negative metabolic impact
Sitting results in reduced muscle activity and blood circulation, leading to a decrease in metabolic rate and energy expenditure. As a result, there are higher levels of glucose, insulin, and fats in the blood. Prolonged sitting can lead to decreased muscle strength, bone mineral density, dysfunction of arteries and blood vessels, and even poor mental health. Interrupting sitting time with movement and exercise is important to counteract these negative metabolic effects.
Implementing strategies to reduce sitting time
Regularly breaking up sitting time and incorporating light activities throughout the day is crucial to minimize the health risks associated with excessive sitting. Studies have shown that people who break up their sitting time every 30 minutes with a few minutes of light physical activity experience benefits such as reduced stress levels, improved well-being, and increased productivity. Even small changes, like standing instead of sitting during meetings or incorporating exercise breaks, can make a significant difference in reducing sitting time and promoting a healthier lifestyle.
How many hours do you spend sitting down per day? Six? Maybe eight? Or 10? Between commuting, working and relaxing, sitting can soon add up to hours and hours.
In this week’s Inside Health we’re going to delve into the science to find out exactly how much sitting is too much; when does it become worrying for our health?
James visits the lab at Leicester University where he meets Professor Charlotte Edwardson to explore what prolonged sitting does to the body and he’ll find out whether there’s anything you can do to offset the effects of sitting a lot.
We’ll hear about the origins of sitting research - and just because we like to explore every angle on a topic, we’ll hear all about why standing too much can also be a worry.
James visits a school in east London where the children are really focusing on how much time they spend sitting. They’re taking part in the Active Movement programme with the aim of bringing lots of action into the school day - and take it home too.
Sounds nice and relaxing doesn’t it?
Presenter: James Gallagher
Producer: Gerry Holt
Editor: Erika Wright
Production Co-ordinator: Jonathan Harris
Studio Producer: Matthew Chamberlain
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