FACTS ON SEDENTARY HEALTH

Prevalence of Sedentary Behaviour

Evidence has also highlighted the key occupational groups that are more sedentary than others, and one such group is office workers. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis, including 132 studies, showed that office workers spend a higher proportion of their day sitting than workers in other occupations, both at work (office workers, 72.5%; other occupations, 49.7%) and during their waking time (office workers, 66.1%; other occupations, 55.9%). Office workers have been shown to spend as much as 70–85% of their time at work sitting, and accumulate a large proportion (40–50%) of this time in prolonged, unbroken bouts. These studies identify office workers as an important group for intervention.

The increasing evidence base on the health implications of high levels of sedentary time:

Scientific Research
Problems derived from Prolonged Sitting - Information and Supported Data

Health Issues Derived from Sedentary Living

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH TO SUPPORT THESE CLAIMS

The sedentary lifestyles and prolonged sitting habits prevalent in today’s society have been associated with numerous health issues, contributing to a range of problems that impact individuals and strain healthcare systems. Here are some of the key problems associated with sedentary behaviors:

  1. Obesity
  2. Cardiovascular Diseases:
  3. Type 2 Diabetes:
  4. Musculoskeletal Issues:
  5. Mental Health Issues:
  6. Cancer Risk:
  7. Reduced Life Expectancy:
  8. Healthcare Costs:
  9. Workplace Productivity:

Addressing the problems associated with sedentary lifestyles requires a comprehensive approach that includes promoting regular physical activity, creating environments that encourage movement, and raising awareness about the health risks of prolonged sitting. Encouraging behaviors such as taking breaks to stretch and move, incorporating physical activity into daily routines, and promoting active transportation can contribute to improving overall health outcomes.

 

Improving a sedentary lifestyle by incorporating more physical activity can have a positive impact on various aspects of health. Here are some specific areas that can benefit from increased movement:

  1. Weight Management:
  2. Cardiovascular Health:
  3. Muscle Strength and
  4. Flexibility:Bone Health:
  5. Metabolic Health:
  6. Mental Well-being:.
  7. Improved Sleep:
  8. Cancer Prevention:
  9. Enhanced Immune Function:
  10. Social Connection:
  11. Cognitive Health:
  12. Longevity

 

To foster positive changes in your daily routine, Sedentary Health encourages integrating the posture therapy program alongside simple steps such as taking short breaks to stand and stretch, incorporating walking or biking into your daily activities, engaging in recreational pursuits, and gradually intensifying and prolonging exercise. By cultivating an enjoyable physical activity regimen and discovering activities that align with your personal interests, you can sustain an active lifestyle in the long term.

Procrastinating the need for change in a sedentary lifestyle only exacerbates the risks and consequences associated with prolonged inactivity. Over time, the detrimental effects accumulate, potentially leading to a myriad of health issues.