It Hurts Your Heart
Scientists first noticed something was up in a study that compared two similar groups: transit drivers, who sit most of the day, and conductors or guards, who don\u2019t. Though their diets and lifestyles were a lot alike, those that sat were about twice as likely to get heart disease as those that stood.
It Can Shorten Your Life
You\u2019re more likely to die earlier from any cause if you sit for long stretches at a time. It doesn\u2019t help if you exercise every day or not. Of course, that\u2019s no excuse to skip the gym. If you do that, your time may be even shorter.
Dementia Is More Likely
If you sit too much, your brain could look just like that of someone with dementia. Sitting also raises your risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, which all play a role in the condition. Moving throughout the day can help even more than exercise to lower your risk of all these health problems.
You\u2019ll Undo All That Exercise
The effects of too much sitting are hard to counter with exercise. Even if you work out 7 hours a week — far more than the suggested 2-3 hours — you can\u2019t reverse the effects of sitting 7 hours at a time. Don\u2019t throw away all that hard work at the gym by hitting the couch for the rest of the day. Keep moving!
Your Odds of Diabetes Rise
Yup, you\u2019re more likely to have it, too, if you sit all day. And it isn\u2019t only because you burn fewer calories. It\u2019s the actual sitting that seems to do it. It isn\u2019t clear why, but doctors think sitting may change the way your body reacts to insulin, the hormone that helps it burn sugar and carbs for energy.
You Could Get DVT
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a clot that forms in your leg, often because you sit still for too long. It can be serious if the clot breaks free and lodges in your lung. You might notice swelling and pain, but some people have no symptoms. That\u2019s why it\u2019s a good idea to break up long sitting sessions.
You\u2019ll Gain Weight
Watch a lot of TV? Surf the web for hours on end? You\u2019re more likely to be overweight or obese. If you exercise every day, that\u2019s good, but it won\u2019t make a huge dent in extra weight you gain as a result of too much screen time
Your Anxiety Might Spike
It could be that you\u2019re often by yourself and engaged in a screen-based activity. If this disrupts your sleep, you can get even more anxious. Plus, too much alone time can make you withdraw from friends and loved ones, which is linked to social anxiety. Scientists are still trying to figure out the exact cause.
It Wrecks Your Back
The seated position puts huge stress on your back muscles, neck, and spine. It\u2019s even worse if you slouch.
Look for an ergonomic chair — that means it\u2019ll be the right height and support your back in the proper spots. But remember: No matter how comfortable you get, your back still won\u2019t like a long sitting session. Get up and move around for a minute or two every half hour to keep your spine in line.
It Leads to Varicose Veins
Sit for too long and blood can pool in your legs. This puts added pressure in your veins. They could swell, twist, or bulge — what doctors call varicose veins. You may also see spider veins, bundles of broken blood vessels nearby. They usually aren\u2019t serious, but they can ache. Your doctor can tell you about treatment options if you need them.
If You Don\u2019t Move It, You Could Lose It
Older adults who aren\u2019t active may be more likely to get osteoporosis (weakened bones) and could slowly become unable to perform basic tasks of everyday life, like taking a bath or using the toilet. While moderate exercise won\u2019t prevent it, you don\u2019t have to go out and run a marathon or take up farming to stay mobile in your golden years. Just don\u2019t plant yourself on the couch for hours at a time.
Your Cancer Risk Goes Up
You may be more likely to get colon, endometrial, or lung cancer. The more you sit, the higher the odds. Older women have higher odds of breast cancer. That doesn\u2019t change if you\u2019re super-active. What matters is how much you sit.
How to Take a Stand
Work more movement into your day: Stand up and stretch every half hour or so. Touch your toes. Take a stroll around the office. Stand at your desk for part of the day. Get a desk that raises or make your own: Set your computer on top of a box. Talk to your boss about a treadmill desk. All these things can help stop the negative effects of uninterrupted sitting and keep you on the road to good health.
Reviewed by Tyler Wheeler, MD<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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