A sedentary lifestyle has been a growing concern in recent years. The advancement of technology and the COVID-19 pandemic have increased the risk of individuals adopting a sedentary lifestyle. But what exactly is a sedentary lifestyle, and what are its dangers to health? Find out in the following review.

What is a Sedentary Lifestyle?

A sedentary lifestyle refers to a way of living in which a person engages in minimal physical activity or movement. Common examples of a sedentary lifestyle that often go unnoticed include spending long hours in front of a laptop, lying down while watching television, using mobile phones all day, and not exercising.

Many people do not realize that they are leading a sedentary lifestyle. The convenience of technology allows individuals to accomplish many tasks using mobile phones and the internet, often resulting in a lack of physical activity. Although this lifestyle may seem comfortable, it carries significant health risks.

Health Risks of a Sedentary Lifestyle

A 2010 study found that a sedentary lifestyle and prolonged sitting—more than 10 hours per day—can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk of diabetes and other obesity-related conditions.

Increased Risk of Obesity

A sedentary lifestyle is strongly linked to obesity. When a person remains inactive, excess energy from food is stored as fat in the body. If this fat is not utilized through physical activity, it accumulates, leading to weight gain and obesity.

Increased Risk of Diabetes

In addition to contributing to obesity, a sedentary lifestyle raises the risk of metabolic disorders such as diabetes. Prolonged inactivity can lead to metabolic changes, increasing the likelihood of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

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Increased Risk of Heart Disease

Another serious consequence of a sedentary lifestyle is an elevated risk of heart disease. Lack of physical activity contributes to the buildup of fatty plaques in the blood vessels. Over time, this accumulation can lead to heart attacks and coronary artery disease.

Increased Risk of Mental Health Disorders

A sedentary lifestyle also negatively impacts mental health. A study involving 10,381 participants found that individuals with low physical activity levels are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders. More recent research involving 110,152 participants revealed that people with sedentary lifestyles have a greater risk of experiencing depression.

How to Overcome a Sedentary Lifestyle

Many individuals are unaware of the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle, as its side effects often become apparent only when symptoms such as high blood sugar levels, high cholesterol, or excessive weight gain appear.

If you unintentionally lead an inactive lifestyle, here are some ways to increase your physical activity:

Increase Walking

You can boost your physical activity by incorporating more walking into your daily routine. Walking is an accessible form of exercise that requires minimal equipment. Additionally, taking the stairs instead of the elevator is an easy way to stay active.

Engage in Physical Activities

Physical activity does not always have to involve structured exercise. Household chores such as cleaning, gardening, washing dishes, and other daily tasks also contribute to overall physical movement.

Numerous studies have linked a sedentary lifestyle to serious health risks. To reduce these risks, increasing the frequency and duration of physical activity—whether through exercise or daily movement—is essential.

If you need medical advice or a consultation, you can visit a doctor or use the consultation features available in the Ai Care application by downloading it from the App Store or Play Store.

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