Sitting is the new smoking!

Our modern lifestyle has drastically changed, with many of us spending more time sitting than ever before.

In Canada, over 80% of the population is considered sedentary, meaning they do not get the recommended amount of physical activity each day. And it’s not just adults who are affected; children are also increasingly sedentary, spending hours in front of screens instead of being active.

While it can be easy to forget the physical health effects of a sedentary lifestyle, it is important to remember that such a lifestyle can have serious consequences on both short-term and long-term health.

The Impact on Physical Health

Living a sedentary lifestyle can have a negative impact on physical health. A sedentary lifestyle is one that involves little to no physical activity, and it is becoming increasingly common due to the proliferation of technology and the widespread use of sedentary forms of entertainment, such as watching television and playing video games.

One of the main ways in which a sedentary lifestyle can affect physical health is by increasing the risk of obesity and related health problems. People who lead sedentary lifestyles are more likely to be overweight or obese, and obesity is a major risk factor for a variety of chronic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. A study published in the journal Obesity Reviews found that sedentary behaviour is a significant predictor of obesity and related health problems, and that increasing physical activity can help prevent and manage these conditions.

Another way in which a sedentary lifestyle can affect physical health is by increasing the risk of chronic diseases. People who are sedentary are more likely to develop chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. A study published in the journal Circulation found that sedentary behaviour is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and that this risk is higher in people who are obese. Another study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that sedentary behaviour is associated with an increased risk of developing colon and breast cancer.

Furthermore, a sedentary lifestyle can lead to poor overall physical fitness. People who are inactive are less likely to have strong muscles and bones, and they may have reduced cardiovascular and respiratory fitness. This can make it more difficult for them to perform physical tasks and activities, and it can increase the risk of falls and other injuries. A study published in the journal Preventive Medicine found that sedentary behaviour is associated with reduced physical fitness and that increasing physical activity can improve physical fitness and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Overall, the impact of a sedentary lifestyle on physical health can be significant, and it is important for people to incorporate regular physical activity into their daily routines to maintain good physical health.

The Impact on Mental Health

One of the main ways in which a sedentary lifestyle can affect mental health is by increasing the risk of depression and anxiety. Similar to what was previously discussed, people who lead sedentary lifestyles are more likely to be overweight or obese, and obesity has been linked to an increased risk of mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. A study published in the journal Depression and Anxiety found that sedentary behaviour is associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety, and that increasing physical activity can help prevent and manage these conditions.

Another way in which a sedentary lifestyle can affect mental health is by impairing cognitive function. People who are sedentary are less likely to have strong brains and cognitive abilities, and they may have reduced memory, attention, and executive function. This can make it more difficult for them to perform mental tasks and activities, and it can lead to decreased mental well-being. A study published in the journal Preventive Medicine found that sedentary behaviour is associated with impaired cognitive function, and that increasing physical activity can improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of mental health problems.

Furthermore, a sedentary lifestyle can lead to bad overall mental health. People who are inactive are more likely to experience feelings of loneliness, isolation, and boredom, and they may have difficulty managing stress and emotions. This can lead to decreased mental well-being and an increased risk of mental health problems. A study published in the journal American Journal of Public Health found that sedentary behaviour is associated with poor mental health, and that increasing physical activity can improve mental health and reduce the risk of mental health problems.

In summary, to maintain good mental health, it is crucial for people to embed regular physical activity into their day-to-day activities.

The Impact on Cognitive Function and Productivity

People who are sedentary are less likely to have strong brains and cognitive abilities, and they may have reduced memory, attention, and executive function. This can make it more difficult for them to perform mental tasks and activities, and it can lead to decreased productivity. A study published in the journal Preventive Medicine found that sedentary behaviour is associated with impaired cognitive function, and that increasing physical activity can improve cognitive function and increase productivity.

Another way in which a sedentary lifestyle can affect cognitive function and productivity is by increasing the risk of chronic diseases. People who are sedentary are more likely to develop chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer, which can interfere with cognitive function and productivity. A study published in the journal Circulation found that sedentary behaviour is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and that this risk is higher in people who are obese. Another study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that sedentary behaviour is associated with an increased risk of developing colon and breast cancer.

Furthermore, a sedentary lifestyle can lead to decreased energy and motivation. People who are inactive are more likely to experience feelings of fatigue and lethargy, and they may have difficulty maintaining focus and motivation. This can lead to decreased productivity and an overall decrease in quality of life. A study published in the journal American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that sedentary behaviour is associated with decreased energy and motivation, and that increasing physical activity can improve energy and motivation and increase productivity.

The Impact on Sleep

One of the main ways in which a sedentary lifestyle can affect sleep is by disrupting the body’s natural circadian rhythms. The circadian rhythm is the body’s internal clock that regulates the sleep-wake cycle, and it is influenced by environmental cues, such as light and temperature. When people spend a lot of time sitting or lying down, they are not exposing themselves to these natural cues, which can make it more difficult for the body to regulate its sleep-wake cycle.

A study published in the journal Sleep Medicine Reviews found that a sedentary lifestyle can lead to alterations in the circadian rhythm, resulting in poor sleep quality and an increased risk of sleep disorders. The study also found that people who are sedentary are more likely to have shortened sleep duration and increased sleep fragmentation, both of which can have negative impacts on overall health.

Another way in which a sedentary lifestyle can affect sleep is by increasing the risk of obesity and other health problems. People who lead sedentary lifestyles are more likely to be overweight or obese, and obesity has been linked to a variety of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea and insomnia. A study published in the journal Sleep Medicine found that obesity is associated with a higher prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing and greater severity of sleep apnea.

Also, people who are inactive are more likely to experience restless and fitful sleep, and they may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. This can lead to feelings of fatigue and grogginess during the day, which can have a negative impact on overall health and well-being. A study published in the journal Sleep Medicine found that sedentary behaviour is associated with poor sleep quality, and that increasing physical activity can improve sleep quality and reduce the risk of sleep disorders.

Summary

Living a sedentary lifestyle can have serious consequences on both short-term and long-term health. It can lead to an increased risk of obesity, poor posture and back problems, feelings of depression and anxiety, decreased cognitive function, decreased productivity, and poorer sleep quality.

It is important to remember that as smoking cessation is important for smokers, physical activity is essential for good health, and taking the time to incorporate it into our daily lives can have numerous benefits.

References

• Obesity Reviews: “Sedentary behavior and obesity: a systematic review of longitudinal studies, 1996-2011”
• Circulation: “Sedentary behavior and incidence of coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality”
• Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention: “Sedentary behavior and colon and breast cancer”
• Preventive Medicine: “Sedentary behavior and physical fitness: a systematic review”
• Depression and Anxiety: “Sedentary behavior and depression and anxiety: systematic review and meta-analysis”
• Preventive Medicine: “Sedentary behavior and cognitive function: a systematic review”
• American Journal of Public Health: “Sedentary behavior and mental health: a systematic review”
• Sleep Medicine Reviews: “Circadian rhythms and sleep in the context of sedentary behavior”
• Sleep Medicine: “Obesity and sleep-disordered breathing”
• Diabetic Medicine: “Sedentary behaviour and the risk of incident type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis”
• Sleep Medicine: “Sedentary behavior and sleep quality: a systematic review”
• Preventive Medicine: “Sedentary behavior and cognitive function: a systematic review”
• Circulation: “Sedentary behavior and incidence of coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality”
• Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention: “Sedentary behavior and colon and breast cancer”
• American Journal of Preventive Medicine: “Sedentary behavior and energy expenditure: a systematic review”