There are a litany of reasons why a sedentary lifestyle is so detrimental to your health. To start, what is a sedentary lifestyle? A sedentary lifestyle is one characterized by prolonged periods of inactivity, such as sitting for hours with little to no physical movement. It greatly increases your risk of chronic diseases, the first being cardiovascular disease. Lack of movement can contribute to poor circulation, higher blood pressure, and increased cholesterol, leading to heart disease and stroke. Type 2 Diabetes, Being sedentary lowers insulin sensitivity, making it harder for your body to regulate blood sugar levels. This can increase the risk of developing diabetes. It can also be linked to an increase risk of cancer, sedentary behavior has been linked to a higher risk of certain cancers, including colon, breast, and uterine cancer. This could be due to the negative impact of inactivity on metabolism and the body’s ability to regulate hormones and insulin levels Lastly, Obesity - A sedentary lifestyle often leads to weight gain as fewer calories are burned throughout the day, increasing the likelihood of obesity.
It also promotes a weakening of muscles and bones, which are vitally important as you age. Muscles atrophy without regular movement, muscles lose strength, endurance, and flexibility, which can lead to decreased mobility and higher injury risk. It also causes bone density loss, physical activity, especially weight-bearing exercises like walking, strengthens bones. Sedentary behavior can weaken bones, making conditions like osteoporosis more likely. It leads to metabolic sluggishness, prolonged inactivity slows down your metabolism, making it harder for your body to efficiently process fats and sugars. This can lead to increased fat storage and weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, which is a risk factor for many diseases. Decreased energy levels are also a symptom of a sedentary lifestyle. Ironically, being inactive can make you feel more tired and lethargic. Regular movement helps boost energy levels by increasing circulation and improving oxygen flow throughout the body. It lowers immune function, regular physical activity boosts the immune system by promoting better circulation and helping the body fight off infections. Being sedentary may suppress immune function, making it easier to get sick. Prolonged sitting can impair blood circulation by reducing blood flow, leading to issues such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), varicose vein's, and increased risk of blood clots. Poor circulation also contributes to fatigue and swelling in the legs.
Another major issue is that it promotes mental health decline. It puts you at increased risk of depression and anxiety. Physical active promotes the release of endorphins, which help improve mood. Inactivity can lead to feelings of lethargy, irritability, and even worsen pre-existing feelings of depression and anxiety. Cognitive ability is also impaired. Regular movement helps maintain healthy blood flow to the brain, which supports cognitive function. A sedentary lifestyle may increase the risk of dementia, Alzheimers, and other cognitive issues.
A sedentary lifestyle negatively impacts nearly every aspect of health, from physical to mental well-being. Making small changes, like incorporating more movement throughout the day, can have profound positive effects on your overall health and longevity. We should all strive to be as healthy as we can, not just for ourselves but our families as well. If you want help in improving your life and health, you can reach me at trevorcostellofitness@gmail.com.
Trevor Costello
ACE Certified personal trainer
