Are you spending too much time sitting? You’re not alone. Public Health France reports that one in five people spends over seven hours a day sedentary, with nearly 40% of French citizens glued to screens for leisure for more than three hours daily. As winter sets in, these sedentary habits and their detrimental effects on both physical and mental health are expected to worsen. “We classify someone as sedentary when they don’t move enough throughout the day, jeopardizing their long-term well-being,” explains Charlotte Verdot, scientific expert at Santé Publique France. ”The risks are well-established: cardiovascular disease, excess weight, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and mental health issues.”
The Dangers of a sedentary Lifestyle
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Spending more than five hours sitting daily can be classified as sedentary. A weekend jog, while beneficial, can’t fully compensate for a week spent largely inactive. The World Health Association (WHO) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week. Even taking 5,000 steps daily can considerably reduce the risk of heart disease and lower blood pressure.
Walking is a great way to get moving, but to maximize its benefits, consider incorporating short breaks into your routine.
Short Walking Breaks Can Boost Fat Burning
Researchers from the University of Milan recently published a study in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B exploring a new walking technique. They found that many studies on the benefits of walking and its impact on the body relied on data collected from individuals exercising at a stable metabolic state, meaning their heart rate was constant, and energy production and consumption were balanced.
the academics wanted to investigate the effects of shorter, more intense bursts of exercise. They studied ten healthy individuals using a stepper and treadmill,measuring the amount of oxygen consumed during each exercise session.
The study’s findings suggest that incorporating short breaks during walks can lead to increased fat burning.This innovative approach to exercise coudl be a game-changer for those looking to maximize their workouts and improve their overall health.
Short Bursts of walking Could Burn More Calories, Study suggests
A new study has found that incorporating short bursts of walking into your routine could lead to increased calorie burn. Researchers from the University of Milan discovered that walking in intervals of 10 to 30 seconds resulted in a 20 to 60% increase in oxygen consumption compared to covering the same distance at a steady pace. “When we let’s walk for short periods, we use more energy and consume more oxygen to cover the same distance,” explains Francesco Luciano, the study’s lead author. Luciano draws an analogy to illustrate this phenomenon. “As an analogy,driving a car requires a little fuel to start the engine or get the car out of the garage. We found that when starting from a stop, a critically important amount of oxygen is consumed just to start walking.” The study suggests that our bodies, much like vehicles, require a burst of energy to initiate movement. This increased energy expenditure during short walking intervals translates to a higher calorie burn. while further research is needed to fully understand the long-term implications of this finding, it presents an intriguing possibility for those looking to maximize their workout efficiency.## The Dangers of Sitting: An Exclusive Interview With Santé Publique France expert
**World Today News:** Charlotte Verdot, thank you for joining us today. As winter approaches, we see people spending even more time indoors. Public Health France reports alarming figures about sedentary behavior in the country. Can you shed some light on these statistics and their implications?
**Charlotte Verdot:** Certainly. It’s crucial too highlight the growing issue of sedentary behavior. Our data reveals a important portion of the French population – over 20% – spending more than seven hours per day sitting.Furthermore, nearly 40% spend over three hours glued to screens for leisure purposes daily. These are worrying figures because prolonged inactivity has serious consequences for both physical and mental well-being.
**World Today News:** What exactly defines “sedentary” behavior, and what kind of risks does it pose?
**Charlotte Verdot:** We classify someone as sedentary when they don’t engage in enough physical activity throughout the day, compromising their long-term health. It’s not just about intense workouts; even moderate activity like walking is vital.
The risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle are well-established. We are talking about an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, excess weight, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and even mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
**World Today News:** It truly seems counterintuitive, but even those who exercise regularly could be considered sedentary if they spend the majority of their day sitting.Is that correct?
**Charlotte Verdot:** Absolutely. While incorporating exercise into your routine is essential, it doesn’t negate the negative effects of prolonged sitting. Think of it like this: a weekend jog is beneficial,but if you spend the rest of the week largely inactive,you are still putting yourself at risk.
The World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.However, even taking 5,000 steps daily can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and lower blood pressure. The key is to incorporate movement into your daily life.
**World Today News:** So,what advice would you give to someone who finds themselves spending a lot of time sitting?
**Charlotte Verdot:** There are many simple strategies you can incorporate into your routine.
* **Take short walking breaks:** Even five minutes of walking every hour can make a difference. set reminders on your phone or use a smartwatch to prompt you to get up and move.
* **Stand up while talking on the phone:**
This is an easy way to sneak in some extra movement without disrupting your day.
* **Walk or cycle for short errands:**
rather of always driving, choose to walk or cycle for shorter distances. This will not only increase your physical activity but also benefit the habitat.
* **Make movement a social activity:**
Exercise with friends or join a walking group to make it more enjoyable and motivating.
**World Today News:** A recent study by the University of Milan suggests that even short walking breaks can boost fat burning. could you shed some light on this?
**Charlotte Verdot:** yes, this research underscores the importance of even small bursts of activity. While more research is needed, it suggests that breaking up prolonged sitting with short walks can indeed positively impact metabolism and fat burning.
**World Today News:** Ms. Verdot, thank you for sharing your valuable insights with us today. Your expert advice is a powerful reminder that even small changes in our daily habits can have a significant impact on our overall health and well-being.
**Charlotte Verdot:** My pleasure. I truly believe that raising awareness about the dangers of sedentary behavior and promoting simple solutions is crucial for improving individual and public health.
