Sitting Could Be Sabotaging Heart Health
New research highlights the health risks associated with prolonged sitting, even for individuals who meet the recommended daily exercise guidelines. According to the study, simply adding a brief walk after work may not be enough to offset the harm caused by excessive sitting. The findings, published in PLOS One, emphasize that prolonged sedentary behavior can negatively impact heart health, regardless of regular physical activity.
The study, led by Chandra Reynolds, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Colorado, Boulder, analyzed data from over 1,000 participants, including 730 twins, aged 28 to 49. Researchers found that many participants were sitting for almost nine hours a day on average, despite engaging in varying amounts of physical exercise, ranging from moderate to vigorous activity. Despite meeting the minimum recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, participants still experienced heart health deterioration linked to their sitting habits.
The research team evaluated heart health by looking at two key indicators: cholesterol levels and body mass index (BMI). The results revealed that as sitting time increased, the aging of participants’ hearts accelerated. While moderate exercise helped mitigate some of the negative effects, it didn’t fully reverse the impact of prolonged sitting. However, engaging in at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise per day, such as running or cycling, appeared to provide more significant benefits, though it still didn’t completely counteract the damage caused by sitting.
The study also suggested that replacing sitting with physical activity had a more positive impact on heart health than merely adding exercise to a sedentary routine. For people who sit for long periods, the researchers recommend using a standing desk at work, incorporating vigorous exercise into daily routines, and even taking on more strenuous workouts during the weekend as a “weekend warrior” approach to stay healthier.
This research highlights the importance of balancing sedentary habits with adequate physical activity to maintain heart health, especially during key periods of life when individuals may feel less affected by the impacts of aging.
Discussion about this post