“While smoking is widely recognized as a health risk, many people overlook the equally significant dangers of physical inactivity,” warns Dr I-Min Lee, a professor of drugs at Harvard Medical School. Dr Lee, a number one professional on the results of train, was amongst the first to determine inactivity as a serious well being hazard. Her analysis has spanned over a decade, highlighting the detrimental penalties of a sedentary way of life.
We have all heard the unfavourable results of smoking on our physique, but equating that to the easy act of sitting might elevate fairly just a few eyebrows. Is this simply one other assertion floating throughout the Internet, attempting to scare us? Does this imply non-smokers are as a lot in danger as the ones smoking few packs a day? Indianexpress.com spoke to clincial experts and obtained extra readability.
Comparing the well being impacts of sitting to smoking in a one-to-one method is complicated as a result of they have an effect on well being in a different way. However, some research present insights into the potential equivalency in terms of health risks.
“Research suggests that sitting for more than 6-8 hours a day increases the risk of premature death. A meta-analysis published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine found that prolonged sitting was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, cancer incidence, and type 2 diabetes,” shared Dr Mohit Sharma, Senior Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Endocrinology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.
According to him, research point out that about 60-75 minutes of moderate-intensity bodily exercise per day can offset the dangers related to extended sitting.
“Sitting for more than 8 hours a day is associated with a 34% increase in mortality risk, while smoking 1-5 cigarettes daily increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by about 40-50% compared to non-smokers,” he mentioned.
“8 hours of sitting can be roughly compared to smoking 10-15 cigarettes per week in terms of increased mortality risk. This approximation is drawn from the relative increase in mortality risk and the known severe impacts of both behaviors,” he additional added.
Sitting for greater than 8 hours a day is related to a 34% enhance in mortality danger, (Source: Freepik)
Smoking usually ends in extra rapid and extreme well being penalties, he says, whereas extended sitting results in extra persistent, long-term well being points. “While both behaviours significantly harm health, addressing each with lifestyle changes is essential for improving overall well-being,” mentioned the doctor.
“Sitting is often compared to smoking due to its severe impact on health. Prolonged physical inactivity can lead to a range of conditions, including metabolic syndrome, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, hypothyroidism, and both microvascular and macrovascular complications such as coronary artery disease and stroke,” mentioned Dr Preeti Gupta, Associate Professor at Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi.
According to her, it has additionally been linked to sure sorts of most cancers and psychological well being points.
“Another big concern is the increase in LDL cholesterol, often called ‘bad’ cholesterol, due to extended periods of physical inactivity. Elevated LDL cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases,” she mentioned.
To preserve a wholesome coronary heart, she mentioned that it is essential to remain lively and recurrently monitor levels of cholesterol.
*DISCLAIMER: This article is primarily based on info from the public area and/or the experts we spoke to. Always seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.*
📣 For extra way of life information, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and likewise observe us on Instagram
