Press Release: The Health Risks of Sedentary Lifestyles
Study Highlights the Importance of Active Breaks in Combatting Sedentary Habits
Recent research from Beatriz Carpallo Porcar and Rita Galán Díaz at Universidad San Jorge, Spain, emphasizes the alarming impact of modern technology on physical activity levels globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies sedentary lifestyles as a significant risk factor for numerous health issues and premature death. This distinction between physical inactivity, defined as less than 30 minutes of daily moderate exercise, and sedentary behavior—time spent sitting or lying down—has never been more critical.
Despite meeting recommended exercise levels, individuals who sit for extended periods still face elevated risks. A study published in PLoS ONE acknowledges that while vigorous exercise lessens some adverse impacts, it is essential to reduce overall sitting time. Research indicates that prolonged sitting can increase mortality risk by up to 40%, a statistic echoed in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Experts advocate for “active breaks” or “exercise snacks” throughout the day to mitigate these risks. A 2021 study confirms that brief bouts of high-intensity activity, such as 3- to 4-minute breaks, significantly boost cardiometabolic health.
A recent paper in Medicine & Science in Sports revealed that breaking up long periods of sitting—by walking for 3 minutes or performing 10 squats every 45 minutes—better manages blood sugar levels than longer uninterrupted exercises.
Adopting active lifestyle habits is crucial for longevity and health. While the WHO recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, incorporating brief, intense activity during work or home life is equally vital. Simple actions like taking stairs, short walks, or doing squats can offer immense health benefits and should be embraced by all.
Authors: Beatriz Carpallo Porcar and Rita Galán Díaz are physiotherapy professors and researchers at Universidad San Jorge, Spain.
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