The dangers of sitting and an overly sedentary lifestyle include increased risk for heart disease, Type II diabetes, and even certain cancers. Additionally, sitting too much over time initially causes smaller problems, like decreased flexibility and mobility, which can lead to much larger issues as we age.

What are the side effects of sitting too long?

Here are 11 adverse effects on the body that can occur from sitting at your desk for too long.

• Low energy expenditure.
• Slower metabolism.
• Compromised posture.
• Back and spine injuries.
• Reduced social skills.
• Loneliness or depression.
• Metabolic Syndrome.
• Chronic Pain.

What happens to your body when you sit too much?

It is thought excessive sitting slows the metabolism – which affects our ability to regulate blood sugar and blood pressure, and metabolise fat – and may cause weaker muscles and bones. Research on astronauts in the early 70s found life in zero gravity was linked with accelerated bone and muscle loss and ageing.

Can sitting around shorten your lifespan?

Previous studies have suggested that people who spend six or more hours a day sitting have a 20 percent higher rate of early death than people who sat for three hours or less each day. Katzmarzyk’s study found that the life expectancy was reduced regardless of whether a person got sufficient exercise or not.

How many hours of sitting is too much?

LOW risk indicates sitting less than 4 hours per day. MEDIUM risk indicates sitting 4 to 8 hours per day. HIGH risk indicates sitting 8 to 11 hours per day. VERY HIGH risk indicates sitting more than 11 hours per day.

What happens if you sit for 11 hours a day?

Adults who sit 11 or more hours per day have a 40 percent increased risk of dying in the next 3 years, compared with those who sat for fewer than 4 hours a day, according to a study led by the University of Sydney. This was after taking into account their physical activity, weight and health status.

How can I reverse the effects of sitting all day?

Fortunately, there are three simple ways to counteract the effects of so much sitting.

1. Start Moving. This is as straightforward as it sounds.
2. Stand Up.
3. Strategic Stretches and Exercises.
4. Cat and Cow Yoga Stretches.
5. Planks.
6. Mountain Climbers.
7. Glute Bridges.

What is considered the sitting disease?

The term “Sitting Disease” has been coined by the scientific community and is commonly used when referring to metabolic syndrome and the ill-effects of an overly sedentary lifestyle.

How many years does sitting Take off your life?

Sitting for more than three hours a day can cut two years off a person’s life expectancy, even if he or she exercises regularly, a new study finds. Watching TV for more than two hours a day can shorten life expectancy even further, by another 1.4 years.

Is lying down better than sitting?

However, a closer look reveals that the pressure on the spine is at its lowest when we are lying in the supine position (it is under eight times less pressure than when we’re sitting). It promotes most complete muscle relaxation, stress-relief and slower heartbeat.

Why does sitting shorten your life?

Research shows that sitting increases cardiovascular disease and can increase your risk of early death by 12-40%. In fact, those who sit the most (more than 13 hours/day) are have a 200% higher risk of dying than people who sit 11 hours or less per day. Sitting also makes you fat and gives you diabetes.

What is cross sitting?

Sitting with legs crossed is a position commonly adopted in Western cultures when sitting on a chair. It involves crossing one leg over the other at the thigh and sometimes twining the foot of the upper leg behind the calf of the lower leg.

How does sitting affect your heart?

As you can see, sitting can lead to negative effects throughout the body, including increasing your risk for heart disease. Lack of exercise is a known risk for coronary artery disease. This is in part because a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk for diabetes and high blood pressure.

Can sitting too much cause bowel problems?

Digestive System Sitting down can cause your abdomen to compress, which slows down digestion. This can lead to issues such as bloating, heartburn and constipation. Additionally when we’re sat down, our bowel functions less efficiently than when we’re stood up, Dr Morrison explained.