Sitting is often associated with weight gain and a sedentary lifestyle, but recent studies have suggested that this view may not be entirely accurate. In fact, there are a few surprising weight loss benefits that come with sitting.

In this article, we’ll go over some of these benefits and explain how you can make the most of them.

Sitting Can Help You Burn More Calories

While it’s true that sitting for extended periods is not generally healthy, it’s also true that sitting in short bouts can be beneficial for weight loss.

Specifically, sitting can help you burn more calories, which is an essential component of any weight loss plan.

The reason for this is that when you sit, your body uses fewer muscles than when you stand or walk. This means that you burn fewer calories per minute while sitting than you do while standing or walking.

However, if you’re sitting for a relatively brief period, say, for example, an hour, you’ll burn fewer calories than you would if you were standing or walking for the same amount of time.

This doesn’t mean that you should aim to spend all day sitting, of course. Instead, it’s about finding a healthy balance between sitting and standing or walking.

For example, if you work at a desk, try to incorporate periods of standing or walking into your day, such as taking regular breaks to stretch your legs.

Sitting Can Help You Reduce Stress

Another surprising weight loss benefit of sitting is that it can help you reduce stress. When you’re stressed, your body releases a hormone called cortisol.

Cortisol can cause weight gain, particularly around the midsection, which is why stress is often linked to weight gain.

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However, studies have shown that sitting can help reduce cortisol levels. By sitting quietly and engaging in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation, you can help reduce your cortisol levels and promote weight loss.

Sitting Can Help You Manage Your Appetite

One of the most surprising weight loss benefits of sitting is that it can help you manage your appetite.

Studies have shown that sitting for extended periods can lead to changes in appetite-regulating hormones, which can cause overeating and weight gain.

However, if you take short breaks from sitting throughout the day, you can help keep your appetite in check. For example, you might take a brief walk around your office or do a few stretches every hour.

This can help you avoid overeating and promote a healthy weight.

Sitting Can Help You Get a Better Night’s Sleep

Finally, sitting can also help you get a better night’s sleep, which is essential for weight loss. Poor sleep can lead to weight gain, as it disrupts the hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism.

However, studies have shown that taking short breaks from sitting throughout the day can help you sleep better at night.

This is thought to be because sitting for extended periods can cause physical discomfort and pain, which can make it challenging to get comfortable and fall asleep.

Conclusion

While standing and walking are generally considered to be healthier than sitting, there are also some surprising weight loss benefits that come with sitting.

By incorporating short bouts of sitting into your day, you can help burn more calories, reduce stress, manage your appetite, and get a better night’s sleep. However, it’s important to remember that sitting for extended periods is still not healthy and should be avoided. Instead, aim to find a healthy balance between sitting and standing or walking.