There may need to be a lifestyle change.
Your office chair might be a silent threat to your health, as recent research reveals a 16% higher risk of premature death for individuals with jobs requiring extended periods of sitting compared to those with more active roles. Led by Dr. Chi-Pang Wen, the Taiwanese study suggests a potential silver lining: introducing movement during the workday or incorporating leisure-time exercise can significantly diminish this elevated risk.
The researchers anticipate a cultural shift where the common practice of prolonged sitting for work is regarded as an undesirable and unhealthy behavior, drawing parallels to the denormalization process witnessed with smoking. Beyond the absence of physical activity, the study proposes that the act of sitting itself may harbor specific health risks.
Extended sitting could lead to the weakening of legs and trunk, increased blood flow to lower extremities, and a triggering of low-grade inflammation. These factors, over time, may contribute to issues such as reduced insulin action, diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diminished kidney function.
Examining data from approximately 482,000 Taiwanese individuals, the study found a correlation between work-related sitting and a heightened risk of mortality. This risk amplified with age, with women experiencing a 21% higher risk compared to men’s 13%. Encouragingly, making small adjustments at work, such as incorporating regular activity breaks or using standing worktables, seemed to mitigate these risks.
Those whose workdays balanced sitting with movement did not show an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Additionally, engaging in extra exercise outside of work hours, even as little as 15 to 30 minutes per day, brought the risk of early death to levels akin to those who didn’t engage in extensive sitting at work.
The study suggests that implementing systemic changes in the workplace, including more frequent breaks, standing desks, designated areas for physical activity, and benefits such as gym memberships, could effectively counteract the health risks associated with prolonged sitting. This approach aims to enhance the well-being of individuals who spend a substantial portion of their day seated.
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