New Study Reveals prolonged Sitting Significantly Impacts Health, Even With Exercise
New york, NY – A groundbreaking new study published in PLOS One reveals that prolonged sitting poses a greater health risk than previously understood, especially for younger adults, and that standard exercise recommendations may not be enough to counteract its negative effects. Researchers found a strong link between increased sitting time and unfavorable biomarkers for heart and metabolic health, even in individuals who meet minimum exercise guidelines.
The study, utilizing a unique twin-and-sibling design, examined adults in their late 20s to late 40s. Results showed that more sitting was associated with higher Body Mass Index (BMI) and an elevated total cholesterol-to-HDL ratio – early warning signs of potential health problems. conversely, regular vigorous activity demonstrably improved these markers, with approximately 30 minutes of daily vigorous exercise correlating to health profiles typically seen in individuals 5-10 years younger.
“This study makes it clear: if you sit for long periods, the standard exercise recommendations are not enough,” stated researcher Bruellman. ”All adults, even the younger ones, need to move more, and exercise harder, to counteract the impact of sitting.”
While vigorous work can partially offset the effects of sitting, the study emphasizes that reducing sitting time is ”paramount.” Public health guidelines currently recommend 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week, with intensity playing a key role in achieving positive outcomes, particularly for lipid and metabolic risk. The research suggests that “vigorous minutes” offer extra value in improving these early biomarkers.
Researchers acknowledge limitations,noting that BMI and TC/HDL are informative but not definitive measures,and the study focused on early warning signs rather than clinical disease. The observational nature of the study,while strengthened by the twin design,cannot definitively prove causation. Future research utilizing wearable devices to more accurately track sitting time and the impact of replacing sedentary periods with vigorous activity is recommended.
The study underscores the importance of breaking up long periods of sitting with movement - standing more during tasks, walking between activities, and incorporating vigorous exercise into daily routines.The combination of reducing sitting and adding vigorous movement proved most effective.
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(Original article source: https://www.earth.com/news/sitting-too-much-is-worse-than-you-think-study-finds/)
