Sitting at Work Increases Risk of Death by 16% and Cardiovascular Disease by 34%, Study Finds
In a groundbreaking study conducted in Taiwan, researchers have found evidence to support the controversial claim that “sitting is the new smoking.” The study, which examined the health outcomes of nearly 500,000 individuals over a span of 20 years, revealed that those who spent prolonged periods sitting down at work had a 16 percent higher risk of premature death compared to their more active counterparts. Furthermore, these constant sitters had a staggering 34 percent increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
The harms of a sedentary lifestyle have been emphasized by experts for the past two decades, with many drawing parallels between the detrimental effects of sitting and smoking. This new study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting this claim and highlights the urgent need for individuals to incorporate more physical activity into their daily routines.
The study involved analyzing data from 481,688 participants and examining their health in relation to occupational sitting, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors. The researchers adjusted for variables such as sex, age, smoking, drinking, and body mass index (BMI) to ensure accurate results. Interestingly, individuals who led a combination lifestyle – alternating between sitting and non-sitting at work – did not experience an increased risk of death. Additionally, those who had sedentary work lives but engaged in exercise during their free time displayed a reduced risk of mortality from all causes and cardiovascular disease.
The study’s findings suggest that incorporating regular breaks and engaging in additional physical activity can help mitigate the risks associated with prolonged occupational sitting. Lead author Dr. Wayne Gao from Taipei Medical University in Taiwan emphasizes the need for systemic changes in workplaces to promote a more active lifestyle. Suggestions include implementing more frequent breaks, providing standing desks, designating workplace areas for physical activity, and offering gym membership benefits.
Dr. Min-Kuang Tsai, a co-author of the study, highlights the importance of regular breaks in work settings, stating that they can be beneficial in reducing the risks associated with prolonged sitting. The study also found that an extra 15 to 30 minutes of exercise per day or participating in more physically intense activities can offset the increased risks for those who are mainly sedentary.
The study offers several explanations for the dangers of prolonged sitting. One possible reason is the lack of exercise for the large muscles in the lower limbs, which can lead to reduced blood flow to the extremities. Additionally, sitting for long periods increases the risk of obesity, as fewer calories are burned, potentially leading to diabetes, reduced kidney function, and heart problems.
Employers also have a role to play in promoting a more active lifestyle among their employees. Dr. Tsai suggests that employers can provide designated areas for leisure time physical activity or offer company-sponsored group activities to encourage employees to incorporate more movement into their daily routines.
Overall, this large-scale study provides further evidence linking a sedentary lifestyle to health risks. It underscores the importance of reducing prolonged sitting in the workplace and increasing physical activity to mitigate the elevated risks of premature death and cardiovascular disease associated with occupational sitting. By making simple changes to our daily routines and incorporating more movement, we can improve our overall health and well-being.
