Study Sitting for a long time makes us sick

Less sitting is healthier

02/23/2014

In the Western world, most people spend many hours sitting down. About one in two works at the desk today. However, sitting for a long time makes us sick, as various studies show.

Every second person works at the desk
Most Westerners spend many hours sitting. In this country about every second person works at the desk today. But sitting makes us sick and some even think it is the new smoking. Adults spend an average of 50 to 70 percent of their time sitting. However, prolonged sitting increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease and death, scientists in the University of Leicester (UK) write in a study.

Too much time in sitting shortens life
In a 14-year observational study, US scientists also proved that spending too much time on chairs, armchairs and sofas shortens our lives. They published their results in „American Journal of Epidemiology“. Thus, men who sit in their spare time six hours or more, a 20 percent higher mortality rate. In women, this is even 40 percent, as it says in the investigation.

Most sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders
Dr. However, Lars Adolph of the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health sees reports and studies that demonize seats as the new smoking and also make them responsible for diseases such as diabetes or heart disease, critical. „I do not consider that the scientific evidence for cause and effect is adequately secured“, said the occupational scientist. It was not clear whether sitting was the cause of the illness or not, for example poor nutrition or physical inactivity. It is clear, however, that long sitting is not good. For example, health insurance companies have been recording most sick leave for years due to musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain, which are caused mainly by prolonged sitting. Adolph explains what makes this attitude so unhealthy: „Sitting is a static activity in which our back muscles degenerate. The weakened muscles make it easier to take bad posture, make a round back and collapse.“ In addition, the discs are not sufficiently supplied with nutrients when sitting still.

Lack of exercise is the real problem
But other ailments such as neck pain, fat legs, shoulder punctures and upper arm pain can be a result of unnatural, wrong posture. Even jobs in which one has to stand for a long time can be harmful to one's health. Because even then, the risk of back problems, cardiovascular disease and diabetes could be increased if one moves too little and absorbs more calories than you consume. So sitting is not unhealthy. It is rather the lack of exercise, which is responsible for many civilization diseases. Therefore, one can not say how much sitting at work is too much. „Information such as, one-third sitting, one-third go, one-third are scientifically insufficient evidence“, so Lars Adolph. „Much more important is to move more and to sit dynamically“, explained the scientific director of the department Products and Work Systems.

Integrate movement into the workday
Experts like Adolph agree „dynamic“ Sitting, that we should not just sit permanently straight, but in between times also relaxed lean backwards to relieve the spine. In addition, exercise should be integrated into the daily work routine, for instance by making a phone call while standing or talking to a colleague next door instead of writing an e-mail. Also movable desk chairs and height-adjustable tables make sense. Anyone who already suffers from pain, which could help with back pain exercises.

Balance after work
Adolph advises: „In any case, you should move the hour once.“ Anyone sitting for two hours in a row will notice how the body stiffens. Therefore, it is important to run a distance during lunch break or to hold a meeting while standing. But those who have a predominantly seated office job can not avoid a balancing sport after work. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults exercise at least 150 minutes a week, or spend 75 minutes exercising intensively. „Moving around does not necessarily mean that you have to become a competitive athlete“, so Adolph. „For the back, even a simple walk is a relief.“ (Ad)