Here is why too much sitting can be dangerous for your body 22^nd November 2022

Regular office work requires prolonged periods of desk sitting. Because of this excessive sitting, people tend to get various health issues like obesity, diabetes and risk of some chronic diseases. This post will discuss how sitting all day at your desk can harm your health.

1. Sedentary lifestyles have become increasingly common:
People spend a lot of time sitting down, whether working, socialising, studying, or travelling. Whether behind the wheel, at a desk, or in front of the TV, most people spend over half of their day's hours seated. An office worker may sit for as much as 15 hours a day. However, the average agricultural worker spends less than three hours a day seated.

2. Calorie expenditure is reduced:
Calories are burned even while you're not exercising, just by standing, strolling, and fidgeting. This type of energy use is called non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT), and not getting enough of it is a big reason people gain weight.
No significant energy is used up by sitting or lounging around all day. It has a significant impact on your ability to burn calories through NEAT. Research shows that those who work in agriculture can burn up to 1,000 more calories per day than those who sit at a desk.

3. The risk of gaining weight while sitting is higher than when standing:
On average, obese people sit for an extra two hours a day compared to their normal-weight counterparts. It has been shown that prolonged sitting throughout the day can cause weight gain and a number of other health concerns.
Obesity or fat accumulation can lead to increased risks of heart disease and also put pressure on other vital organs like the liver, kidney, etc. You may also experience early joint pain, stiffness of body parts, backaches, and reduced stamina and endurance due to inactivity.

4. Sickness is associated with inactivity:
According to an analysis of data on more than a million people, sedentary lifestyles are associated with an increased risk of severe health conditions, early signs of ailments like hypertension and diabetes in younger people, and even cause premature death.
An increased risk of type 2 diabetes by 110% and heart disease by 140% have been linked to a lack of physical activity over the long term. Research has shown that sitting for long periods or walking less than 1,500 steps per day can significantly increase insulin resistance, a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

5. Even if you work out regularly, you still are at risk:
Even if you work out hard for an hour, sitting for the rest of the day is still bad for your health. It is important to take short breaks and keep the constant movement of your body throughout the day to avoid getting at risk of health issues due to lack of motion. Regular walking and exercises are necessary to keep your body in its best shape.

While taking breaks is crucial, indulging in physical activities at regular intervals of the day is equally important. Those who spend their days sitting at a desk can benefit from investing in a standing desk or taking frequent breaks to walk around the office. Cutting down on how much time you spend sitting is just as crucial for your health as what you eat and how often you work out.

It would help if you also buy health insurance to ensure you get the best care possible without putting a strain on your finances during the time of need. Rising medical costs force many to make compromise with the situation. You can purchase insurance from the best health insurance company in India, which will keep you secure in such cases.

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Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.