Prolonged sitting may kill you

AUSTRALIA – A recent study found that adults who sat 11 or more hours per day had a 40% increased risk of dying in the next three years versus those who sat for fewer than four hours a day. The study, led by the University of Sydney, observed more than 200,000 people.

“These results have important public health implications,” said study lead author Dr. Hidde van der Ploeg, a senior research fellow at the University of Sydney’s School of Public Health.

“That morning walk or trip to the gym is still necessary, but it’s also important to avoid prolonged sitting. Our results suggest the time people spend sitting at home, at work and in traffic should be reduced by standing or walking more,” he said.

The study showed physical activity is still beneficial and among the physically inactive group, those who sat the most had nearly one-third higher chance of dying than those who sat least.

The results are the first landmark findings to be published from the Sax Institute’s 45 and Up Study, the largest ongoing study of healthy aging in the Southern Hemisphere.

Tags: Prolonged

Category: Health alert