There is a growing concern among health experts over the alarming signal that can reportedly raise one’s mortality risk by 50%.

Known as the “sitting disease,” this condition refers to the health risks associated with prolonged periods of sitting or a sedentary lifestyle.

What is the Sitting Disease?

The sitting disease, also known as sedentary behavior, is a term that describes the amount of time a person spends in a sitting or reclined position.

According to the American Heart Association, sedentary behavior is defined as “any waking behavior characterized by an energy expenditure of ≤1.5 metabolic equivalents (METs), while in a sitting or reclining posture”.

The sitting disease can encompass a wide range of behaviors including sitting at work, watching television, playing video games, eating meals, and even commuting. It is the prolonged nature of these activities that can lead to adverse health outcomes.

How Does the Sitting Disease Affect Your Health?

The sitting disease has been linked to a number of negative health outcomes including:.

Increased risk of obesity
Increased risk of type 2 diabetes
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
Increased risk of cancer
Increased risk of depression and anxiety

One of the main ways the sitting disease negatively impacts health is by decreasing the amount of physical activity a person engages in on a daily basis.

When a person is sitting for long periods, they are not engaging in physical activity that is necessary for maintaining good health.

Additionally, prolonged sitting can lead to stiffness and pain in the back, neck, and shoulders. This can have a negative impact on a person’s quality of life, making it difficult for them to engage in everyday activities without discomfort.

How Can You Prevent the Sitting Disease?

The good news is that there are steps you can take to prevent the sitting disease from negatively impacting your health. These include:.

Incorporating more physical activity into your day
Taking frequent breaks from sitting to stretch and move around
Using a standing desk at work
Limiting the amount of time you spend watching television or playing video games
Engaging in physical activity during leisure time

By taking these steps, you can decrease your risk for negative health outcomes associated with sedentary behavior and the sitting disease.

In fact, some studies have shown that just standing up and moving around for as little as two minutes every hour can decrease your risk for these negative health outcomes.

The Bottom Line

The sitting disease is a growing concern for health experts as evidence continues to mount linking sedentary behavior to negative health outcomes.

However, by taking proactive steps to increase physical activity and decrease sitting time, you can decrease your risk for these negative health outcomes and maintain good health.