It is a fact that obesity and sedentary behavior coexist and that both are associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and some types of cancers. Many studies show that in the parts of the world where rates of obesity are higher, the prevalence of adults who report no leisure-time physical activity or workout is also high. In the last few decades, a surge in the obesity rate is observed all over the world due to the technological revolution we are witnessing.
Engineers are building more and more types of machinery for the ease of man which is making people dull. And the jobs that most people do these days also involve a little to no physical activity. To make the situation worse, the race of making more money has made people awfully busy in their work, they just can’t find time for themselves and their health. As a result, obesity and its associated ailments are on the hike. Read on to learn in detail the relation of sedentary lifestyle some health issues that this lifestyle brings with itself.
What is a sedentary lifestyle?
Before jumping into the impacts of a sedentary lifestyle on our physical and mental health, let’s first understand what a sedentary lifestyle actually means. It is a lifestyle, activity, or behavior that often involves little or no physical activity. A sedentary person spends most of his time sitting or lying down while engaged in an activity like reading, socializing, watching television, playing video games, or using a mobile phone/computer for much of the day. This behavior can potentially contribute to ill health and many preventable causes of death. The research revealed that in this current era, only less than 25 percent of adults are meeting the physical activity guidelines, while less than 5 percent perform 30 minutes of physical activity every day.
Physical health issues that people face because of a sedentary lifestyle:
Leading a sedentary lifestyle is becoming a significant public health issue all over the globe. Despite the fact that a sedentary lifestyle is linked to a range of chronic health conditions, people following a sedentary lifestyle are on the rise. The majority of the world’s population has extended sitting routines, such as behind a desk at work or behind a wheel which is surely harmful.
More risk of cancer:
There are some specific types of cancers that are totally associated with obesity and an inactive lifestyle. And cancer is one of the leading causes of death all over the world. This chronic ailment is avoidable if you leave a sedentary lifestyle and start doing daily exercise in your comfortable workout clothes.
Cardiovascular health problems:
Sitting behind a desk, commuting in your car, relaxing on the couch, or using a screen for long hours can affect your heart health. As the heart is the central organ of a man’s body, so its health is really important for adding years to your life. When you don’t do the recommended amount of physical activities daily, your heart will start weakening and a time will come when you can get a heart attack. According to research, approximately 1.5 million heart attacks and strokes occur every year in the United States alone. And around 8 lacs people die of heart problems every year which makes 1 in every 3 deaths in the US.
Hypertension and elevated cholesterol levels:
Physical inactivity is also associated with problems like blood pressure. Blood pressure is also very dangerous because it can cause brain hammering and then death. Also, a sedentary lifestyle can increase the cholesterol level of your body which in turn will damage your health conditions.
Muscle and joint issue:
An inactive lifestyle can also destroy your muscle tissues and affect your joints. When you are aging, your muscles start shrinking and joints become stiff which obstructs your movements and balance. People who live an active lifestyle usually don’t face this problem even in their old age.
Mental health problems because of a sedentary lifestyle:
A sedentary lifestyle also appears to have negative impacts on your mental health. The mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, anger, stress, and restlessness become severed when you live a life of a couch potato. Furthermore, you will also face cognition and memory problems if you are a lazy soul who is living an inactive life. Daily workouts, on the other hand, can help you cope with mental challenges and enhance your mental abilities.
