New Study Warns: Prolonged Sitting Is Harmful

 New Study Warns: Prolonged Sitting Is Harmful, Even with Regular Exercise

A recent study has confirmed that prolonged sitting can have negative effects on heart health, even with regular exercise.

The study, conducted by a team from the Broad Institute at the University of Massachusetts and Harvard, revealed new details confirming that sitting for more than 10.5 hours a day may put people at greater risk of serious heart problems, regardless of their level of physical activity.

Excessive Sitting Increases the Risk of Heart Disease

"Our findings suggest that reducing the time we spend sitting or lying down can reduce the risk of heart disease, as sitting for more than 10.6 hours a day is a critical point associated with an increased risk of heart failure and higher rates of cardiac death," said Dr. Shan Khorshid, a cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital.

While exercise remains an important protective factor against disease, this study demonstrates that excessive sitting cannot be completely replaced by exercise.

A study of 89,530 people to monitor the impact of sitting on health

The study included physical activity data for 89,530 people, with an average age of 62, who were fitted with fitness trackers for a week. The results showed that people who spent more than 10.6 hours a day sitting or lying down were 40% more likely to develop heart failure and 54% more likely to die from heart disease compared to those who spent less time sitting.

People who did not exercise regularly were exposed to the highest levels of health risks due to prolonged sitting. Even those who committed to 150 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity per week were not immune to the consequences of excessive sitting. They were 15% more likely to develop heart failure and 33% more likely to die from heart disease compared to those who did not spend much time sitting.

Exercise Alone Is Not Enough

Despite previous studies suggesting that sitting can be replaced with exercise, this study raises questions about the effectiveness of exercise in counteracting the harmful effects of prolonged sitting. The data collected indicates a link between prolonged sitting and heart problems, but further studies are needed to definitively determine the causes and consequences.

Rethinking Daily Habits

The study recommended the development of clear health guidelines that specify the maximum number of hours people should spend sitting or lying down, while emphasizing the importance of exercise.

 The researchers indicated that focusing on reducing sitting time may be the first step toward improving heart health, with avoiding sitting for more than 10.6 hours per day being a realistic goal for promoting better heart health.