Understanding the Risks of Too Much Sitting

In the bustling digital era, where laptops are our constant companions, distinguishing between work and leisure becomes challenging. A common routine involves spending eight hours in the corporate world and then indulging in the captivating world of on-demand entertainment. However, amidst this daily grind, a subtle danger silently threatens our overall well-being.

This problem comes from not moving enough, especially if you have a desk job. More people are complaining about back pain, neck discomfort, and shoulder aches. Even though these problems might feel temporary, they can have a lasting effect.

From slouching postures to eye strain, disrupted sleep patterns, and the looming epidemic of obesity, the consequences of prolonged sitting on a chair extend far beyond the realms of mere physical discomfort.

The Sitting Disease

The phrase “Sitting too much kills” starkly introduces a 2016 study that delves into the association between modernity, obesity, over 30 chronic metabolic diseases, and escalating healthcare costs. Termed the “sitting disease,” it encapsulates a sedentary lifestyle where individuals remain seated for eight to ten hours daily without any physical movement.

Mayo Clinic researchers analyzed 13 studies on sitting time and activity levels. The findings were alarming – those sitting for more than eight hours daily with no physical activity faced a mortality risk comparable to that posed by obesity and smoking combined.

Short-Term and Long-Term Consequences

Experts stress that individuals with sedentary jobs face both short-term and long-term musculoskeletal health effects. In the short term, people may experience discomfort, stiffness, and fatigue. Over the long term, conditions such as musculoskeletal imbalances, lower back pain, and an increased risk of chronic diseases become prevalent.

Dr. Debashish Chanda, Lead Consultant in the Department of Orthopedics at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, highlights the short-term effects of sitting – from tennis elbow and debilitating shoulder pain to high blood pressure, a lowered metabolism rate, and reduced concentration resulting in lower work productivity.

The Relationship Between Sitting and Diabetes

Beyond the immediate physical impacts, the long-term effects of the “sitting disease” extend to the development of type 2 diabetes, a major lifestyle disorder affecting over 100 million people in India.

Also Read: How AI is Leveling Playing Field in Video Games

Researchers have observed that prolonged sitting relaxes large muscles, contributing to minimal glucose uptake from the blood. According to Harvard Medical School, this significantly raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The solution is simple yet powerful: stand up and engage in muscle-flexing activities to counteract the adverse effects of sitting.

The Psychological Toll

Psychologist Apurva Singh Verma, Head of Products & Service Excellence at Elephant In The Room (EITHR), emphasizes the psychological implications of prolonged sitting, especially in professional settings. Extended periods of sitting lead to decreased productivity, diminished cognitive function, heightened stress levels, and low motivation due to the absence of breaks.

Also Read: Exploring BTS V’s Favorite Food Adventures

Encouraging employees to take frequent breaks and engage in physical activity becomes paramount to enhancing mental and emotional resilience.

As our lives increasingly revolve around screens and sedentary tasks, it is imperative to recognize the profound impact of prolonged sitting on our health.