Sitting Increases Health Risks Independent of Exercise
Growing evidence shows metabolic changes from sedentary time.
It’s likely you have many clients who work sedentary jobs. Encourage them to simply move as much possible because, according to research,
people who sit for many hours, regardless of whether or not they exercise regularly, are at increased risk of higher liver-fat levels, a leading contributor to type 2 diabetes.
Researchers from England examined whether lower levels of daily physical activity and more sedentary time led to a greater likelihood of metabolic syndrome in young, physically active adults of similar body mass index. Data analysis showed that each additional hour of sedentary time was associated with a 1.15% increase in liver fat, independent of other levels of physical activity and of gender. Study authors recommend finding more strategies to reduce sedentary behavior, in addition to encouraging physical activity.
The study is available in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise (2019; 51 [6], 1169–77).
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA
Shirley Archer, JD, MA, is an internationally acknowledged integrative health and mindfulness specialist, best-selling author of 16 fitness and wellness books translated into multiple languages and sold worldwide, award-winning health journalist, contributing editor to Fitness Journal, media spokesperson, and IDEA's 2008 Fitness Instructor of the Year. She's a 25-year industry veteran and former health and fitness educator at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, who has served on multiple industry committees and co-authored trade books and manuals for ACE, ACSM and YMCA of the USA. She has appeared on TV worldwide and was a featured trainer on America's Next Top Model.
