Here's how sitting negatively impacts your health.
1. Low Energy Expenditure: Prolonged sitting significantly reduces the energy expenditure of your body. Research shows that a sedentary lifestyle leads to a buildup of unused calories, contributing to persistent fatigue and decreased overall vitality, as it hinders metabolic processes essential for energy regulation [2].
2. Slower Metabolism: Inactivity can drastically slow your metabolism, causing fat accumulation in the bloodstream. This not only affects weight management but can also impair insulin sensitivity, increasing the risk of metabolic disorders [5].
3. Compromised Posture: Poor sitting posture can adversely affect your lumbar disks. Extended periods of sitting lead to a posterior pelvic tilt, resulting in a hunched position that places undue stress on spinal structures, potentially leading to chronic pain and discomfort [1].
4. Back and Spine Injuries: While sitting, your spine and hip muscles are meant to provide support. However, constant pressure on your hips can lead to significant damage not only to the spine but also to the surrounding musculature, increasing the risk of injury and chronic pain syndromes [1].
5. Reduced Social Activity: Spending excessive time seated can create a habit of inactivity that diminishes your overall activity level. This lifestyle often correlates with decreased social interactions, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation [3].
6. Obesity: Extended periods of sitting can effectively bring bodily functions to a standstill, resulting in fewer calories burned. This sedentary behavior is a significant contributor to weight gain and obesity, which can lead to a host of additional health issues, including increased risk of chronic diseases [2].
7. Loneliness or Depression: Being confined to a desk for long hours can shrink your social interactions, leading to feelings of isolation. This lack of social engagement can trigger or exacerbate symptoms of depression, highlighting the psychological impacts of a sedentary lifestyle [4].
If you're concerned about the health impacts of a sedentary lifestyle, consider reaching out for an online doctor consultation. Our AI doctor can help you understand your options better. Why not chat with a doctor online to get personalized advice? An online AI doctor is just a message away!
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- Ali Sarfraz Siddiqui, Sidra Javed, Shemila Abbasi, Tanveer Baig, Gauhar Afshan. Association Between Low Back Pain and Body Mass Index in Pakistani Population: Analysis of the Software Bank Data.. PubMed. 2022.
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- Kenneth K Hansraj, Jonathan A Hansraj, Marcia D Griffin Hansraj, Uroš Rožič, Deepak Choudhary. Belly Fat Forces on the Spine: Finite Element Analysis of Belly Fat Forces by Waist Circumference.. PubMed. 2022.