Study Finds Prolonged Sitting Poses Significant Health Risks Despite Exercise

New Delhi: A recent study conducted by the University of Colorado and the University of California has drawn attention to the significant health risks associated with prolonged sitting, emphasizing its impact on cardiovascular and metabolic health.

The study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, investigated the health impacts of prolonged sitting and emphasized the limitations of moderate physical activity in counteracting the risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle.

This extensive research, part of the Colorado Adoption/Twin Study of Lifespan Behavioural Development and Cognitive Ageing (CATSLife), examined biomarkers such as the total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein (TC/HDL) ratio and body mass index (BMI) to understand the implications of sedentary behaviour in young adults.

The study analysed data from more than 1,000 participants, including twins, with an average age of 33. The results revealed that individuals who sat for over 8.5 hours a day were at a heightened risk of adverse health outcomes.

This risk was present even for those who met current physical activity guidelines, suggesting that the recommended levels of exercise may not be sufficient to counterbalance the negative effects of prolonged sitting.

Chandra A. Reynolds, Professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and senior researcher, noted, "Our findings indicate that meeting current physical activity guidelines may not be sufficient to fully offset the negative effects of prolonged sitting on health metrics such as BMI and TC/HDL."

The study further demonstrated that while moderate activity provided some benefits, it was not enough to mitigate the impact of extended sedentary time.

The research pointed out that vigorous physical activity, such as running or cycling for 30 minutes daily, had a more pronounced effect on improving health outcomes.

Participants who engaged in this level of exercise displayed TC/HDL ratios and BMI measures comparable to those of individuals five to ten years younger. However, even this higher level of physical activity did not entirely negate the risks associated with sitting for long periods.

The study highlighted the importance of reevaluating current physical activity recommendations, advocating for strategies that include reducing sitting time in addition to incorporating vigorous exercise into daily routines.

"It may be necessary to introduce practices that encourage people to stand and move more frequently throughout the day, especially in work and home settings," Reynolds added.

The researchers suggested practical interventions such as using standing desks, taking regular breaks, and organizing walking meetings to help minimize sedentary time.

They emphasized that these changes, combined with more vigorous physical activities, could be vital in promoting long-term cardiovascular and metabolic health, especially as sedentary lifestyles become increasingly common in modern society.