top of page
Writer's pictureFit O Fine

Does A Sedentary Lifestyle Increase The Risk of Early Death?

A recent report by the World Health Organisation, says that approximately more than 3-4 million deaths worldwide happen because of lack of physical activity and it is among the top 10 leading causes of death and disability worldwide.


Physical inactivity is a leading health problem of our time, nearly around 65-85% of people from all over the world (both developed and underdeveloped nations), lead an active sedentary lifestyle.


But this type of lifestyle can affect the body in a very negative way.




People living like this can get serious conditions like early mortality, double risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke, colon cancer, high cholesterol metabolic syndrome, Type-2 diabetes, depression, obesity, high blood pressure, lipid disorders, and anxiety, etc.


Stats says that In India alone, 4 out of 10 people can be found diagnosed with either of these diseases.


And it is also common because of the fast-paced world that we are living in, we don't pay much attention to what we put in our body on a day-to-day basis, i.e- diet, combined with an inactive lifestyle increases the chances of diseases even further.


In this blog, we have shared how an inactive lifestyle is harming your body and what you can do to keep yourself a mile away from these serious ailments and maintain healthy well-being overall.





What Sedentary Lifestyle can do to your Body?


Let's assume that even if you exercise, there is research that has proven no matter how active your lifestyle is, sitting for an overly long duration of time is a risk factor for premature death.


The American Heart Association promotes a campaign "Sit less, move more." If you want to live more.


And lack of physical activities also destroys and deteriorates the neural pathways and increases the chances of developing a mental health disorder.


Your body becomes prone to various serious diseases and the chances of premature death increase by leaps and bounds. Also, you will experience -


  1. As you do no exercise or activity, your body will burn fewer calories and this will make the body more likely to gain weight.

  2. Senior citizens should engage in some kind of physical exercise to keep away from idleness.

  3. No activity or exercises means no movement and usage of the muscles, this way your muscles will lose their strength and endurance and can cause weakness.

  4. The blood circulation all over the body decreases, and this can cause darkness around various parts of the body since the blood won't be able to reach different areas/parts of the body.

  5. The metabolism rate will be affected badly, and the body will find it harder to break down the fats and sugars which can trigger indigestion problems.

  6. Your immune system will break down, and it will make the task easier for various ailments to get into your body.

  7. The body will have more inflammation, and it can cause hormonal imbalance, which will affect the skin of your whole body. etc.



How to lead an Active Lifestyle?


If you have been living a sedentary lifestyle, it's time to change it.


But not doing any activity till now, and suddenly starting can cause difficulty in the beginning.


So, at first, just try to start slowly and with fewer exercises. Also, in the very beginning, aim to be consistent with workouts. Even if you do it for 10 minutes, try maintaining consistency with it.


Because something is always better than nothing at all.


And once you have that habit, then slowly add more no. Of exercises to your fitness regime and slowly increase their intensity also. i.e - progressive overload.


Your ultimate goal should be to get the suggested amount of exercise as per your age and health conditions.


Other than this follow these tips-


  1. If you have a desk job, then every hour, if possible, after every 30 minutes, try to get up from the desk and perform some exercises. Because if your aggregate sitting time upsurges, so does the risk of premature death.

  2. If exercise doesn't excite you, then get involved in some physically demanding sports.

  3. Always try to take the stairs instead of the elevator.

  4. Always try to maintain a good posture.

  5. Invest in a standing desk or ask your office or workplace to provide one. And spend more time working standing.

  6. Try every way possible to reduce the time spent being sedentary in any way possible.



Conclusion -


Life is precious, don't play a passive role, because inactivity is a controllable factor, and going against it is only going to benefit your body.


People were very active once upon a time. They had to be if they were to survive. Our forefathers were hunters who relied on their physical fitness to hunt for food. It was a case of survival of the fittest.

They evolved and discovered ways to make their lives easier in all areas, including transportation, eating, entertainment, and working. Short walks around the house or office became the norm for physical activity.


When it comes to starting this, however, it is critical to consult with a doctor first. Failure to do so may result in an injury or illness, which may result in a setback. Once that is cleared, it is time to take the first step toward resuming a fit lifestyle, one that will most likely last much longer than a sedentary one.


Physiotherapists at fit o fine use cutting-edge advanced practices that include but are not limited to the use of massages, movements and exercises. Make an appointment with us so that one of our therapists can discuss the best treatment option for you.




146 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
bottom of page