Are you spending too much time sitting down and too little time up, about and enjoying all the various forms of physical activity that life has to offer? Not only are you missing out on a lot of fun forms of exercise, but you may also be reducing your lifespan. There are so many risks of a sedentary lifestyle. Everyone knows that sitting on your couch and channel surfing is not good for your health. Research indicates that sitting for prolonged periods of time can actually prove to be deadly, while increasing one’s time on their feet can have many beneficial health results. Read on to learn more about the research on physical inactivity and risks of a sedentary lifestyle in Kansas City.
One of the risks of a sedentary lifestyle is the increased chance of developing coronary artery disease, cardiovascular disease and death from a variety of different cancers. Research conducted by Dr Rebecca Seguin at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York followed a multi-ethnic group of 92,234 women between the ages of 50 and 79. These women were followed for over 12 years to see the effects that prolonged sitting would have on the health of these women. The women, who participated in this study, were divided into four groups according the amount of time they reported sitting on a daily basis. The groups included:
- up to 4 hours
- more than 4 hours
- more than 8 hours
- over 11 hours
The research team at Cornell University found that women who spent over 11 hours each day were 12 percent more likely to die a premature death as the result of any cause compared to those who spent 4 hours or less sitting on a daily basis. Premature death from prolonged sitting was increased 13 percent by cardiovascular disease, 21 percent by cancer and 27 percent by coronary artery disease.
The risks of a sedentary lifestyle and premature death remained the same regardless of age, race, body mass index, chronic disease, physical mobility rate, overall function and over fitness levels. It was also noted that even women who exercised on a regular basis had an increased risk of a premature death if they spent an excessive amount of time sitting throughout the day.
This study was entitled “Sedentary Behavior and Mortality in Older Women.” It was published in the January 2014 version of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Head researcher Dr. Rebecca Sequin concluded from the study:
“The assumption has been that if you’re fit and physically active, that will protect you, even if you spend a huge amount of time sitting each day… you are far less protected from negative health effects of being sedentary than you realize… If you’re in an office, get up and move around frequently… If you’re retired and have more idle time, find ways to move around inside and outside the house. Get up between TV programs, take breaks in computer and reading time, and be conscious of interrupting prolonged sedentary time.”
Another study, conducted by Dr. Richard Rosencranz at Kansas State University- Manhattan studied the health effects of sitting on 194,545 men and women from Australia who were over the age of 45. Researchers found increased risks of developing diabetes, heart disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke, colon cancer and breast cancer when study participants lead a more sedentary lifestyle. This research paper, “Active Lifestyles Related to Excellent Self-Rated Health and Quality of Life: Cross Sectional Findings from 194,545 Participants in The 45 and Up Study”, found that when the body’s muscles are inactive during extended periods of sitting, the production of lipoprotein lipase is shut down. Lipolase protein is responsible for metabolizing fat.
Co-researcher Dr. Sara Rosenkranz indicated:
“We’re basically telling our bodies to shut down the processes that help to stimulate metabolism throughout the day and that is not good… Just by breaking up your sedentary time, we can actually up-regulate that process in the body.” Dr. Rosenkranz advises office workers to try using a sit/stand desk to decrease their sitting time while increasing their physical activity throughout the day.
What are the Risks of a Sedentary Lifestyle in Kansas City?
A lack of regular physical activity has been shown to increase your risks of developing cardiovascular disease as well as a variety of other conditions. Here’s what you should know about the risks of a sedentary lifestyle in Kansas City.
- Lack of physical active can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure.
- Studies have found that people who are active are much less likely to develop coronary artery disease than those who lead a rather sedentary lifestyle.
- A lack of physical activity can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.
- Less active people are at an increased risk for developing certain types of cancers.
- Individuals, who are overweight or obese but physically active, can work to significantly reduce their risk of disease.
Did You Know?
Each year, thousands and thousands of individuals will die as the result of a lack of regular physical activity. A few more quick facts about sedentary lifestyles include:
- The older individuals get the less likely they are to participate in physical activity.
- Women have a tendency to be more inactive than men.
- Non-Hispanic white adults are more likely to engage in regular physical activity than non-Hispanic African Americans and Hispanic adults.
Risks of a Sedentary Lifestyle in Kansas City
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