In the era of desk jobs and long hours in front of screens, sitting has quietly become a serious health threat. New research shows that spending extended periods in a seated position may increase the risk of heart disease—even if you exercise regularly.
Sedentary Lifestyle: More Dangerous Than You Think
A 2024 study in Taiwan revealed that people working desk jobs requiring long hours of sitting were 34% more likely to die from heart disease, and 16% more likely to die from any cause, compared to those with more active jobs.
Surprisingly, even regular moderate exercise may not fully counteract the damage caused by prolonged sitting. A study published last year found that women who sat more than 11.6 hours a day had a 57% higher risk of death, compared to those who sat less than 9.3 hours—even with intense workouts.
Poor Circulation
Extended sitting leads to blood pooling in the limbs, poor circulation, and signs of chronic inflammation. This condition is linked to higher risks of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and even kidney dysfunction.
Dr. Andrea Z. LaCroix, Professor of Epidemiology at the University of California, says:
“There are clear vascular effects from prolonged sitting. The body simply isn’t moving enough to keep blood flowing in a healthy way.”
5 Simple and Effective Tips to Combat Sitting Too Long:
How Often Should You Get Up?
Dr. LaCroix and her team are currently studying the ideal number of times a person should stand during the day. Early recommendations suggest that getting up three times per hour is much more effective than just once.
Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, Head of Preventive Cardiology at the Mayo Clinic, emphasizes:
“Unless we turn standing and physical movement into an intentional habit, we’ll keep sitting for worryingly long periods.”
Source: AL Qabas Newspaper