For the past few years, we’ve constantly been hearing that sitting on your derriere for too long is the equivalent to smoking, which is linked to heart disease and stroke. So, it may come as a surprise to learn that sitting may not be so bad after all. That is, if you already exercise regularly, according to a recent study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.
Over a period of 16 years, the researchers at the University of Execter and University College London in Great Britain closely monitored more than 5,000 men and women, documenting everyone’s sitting patterns along with how physically active they were. They also took into account age, gender and diet among other factors, of course.
The results were unexpected.
Out of the 450 people who died during that period of 16 years, sitting did not play a role in any of the deaths. Pretty surprising, right?
The study points out, though, that this particular group of people exercised more than most.
“I don’t think there is away to dress up sitting as being healthy. Prolonged sitting without exercise is just bad for you,” says Dr. Bola Oyeyipo, a family physician in southern California and co-founder of Healthgist.com. “The study pointed out that simply standing will not negate the health risks of a sedentary lifestyle.”
The main takeaway from all this? Get up and get moving whenever you can!