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Here’s some news that should probably be delivered standing up: Working out won’t help you live any longer if you spend the rest of the day sitting on your fanny. According to a new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, the amount of time spent sitting on your behind is linked to an increased risk of death, even if you work out.
The researchers gave 53,440 men and 69,776 women questionnaires to determine how much time they spent sitting when not at work, and how much physical activity they got each day. When scientists followed up with the participants 14 years later, they found that 11,307 men and 7,923 women had died. After adjusting for other unhealthy habits like smoking and obesity, the researchers found that sitting for six or more hours a day outside of work, compared to less than three hours, was associated with a greater risk of death -- and female couch potatoes fared even worse than men.
Exercise was a huge factor. Compared to those who were most active (but still sat on their butts for six hours or more a day), women and men who got the least physical activity were 94 percent and 48 percent, respectively, more likely to die during the study period. Men and women who spent six or more hours sitting, but got some form of exercise every day, lowered their chances of dying during the 14-year study to 37 percent and 18 percent respectively.
The researchers speculate that the increased risk of death has to do with how our metabolism changes when we sit for long periods of time. Besides slowing down our metabolism, it can affect our triglycerides, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, blood pressure and hormones associated with obesity and chronic disease.
The researchers believe that getting your 30 minutes of activity every day is just the tip of the iceberg. It’s not only about putting in your time on the treadmill if you’re going to park yourself in front of the TV for the rest of the evening; it’s also about taking a full lifestyle approach to physical activity -- running errands or after your kids, cleaning the house, walking your dog, gardening or mowing the lawn can all help keep you active, healthy and young.
Because I live in New York, without a car, I take a little bit of comfort in knowing that I walk more than the average couch potato. Grocery shopping is a feat of strength and endurance, since I always seem to buy more than I can comfortably carry the half-mile home. But since I run errands far less often than I watch TV, I’m sure I’d be mortified to see just how much time I spend plopped down on my derriere. And, lately, I’ve even taken to ordering everything online. With the news that all these conveniences could be taking years away from my life, perhaps it’s time to avoid the easy route and do all of the heavy lifting myself. Or, maybe I could just invest in a stand-up desk. That’s not cheating, right?
How much time do you spend sitting every day? Chime in below!
Like This? Read These:
- Too Much TV Can Be a Real Killer
- How to Start a Fitness Routine
- Walk On, Rock On: Fitting in Fitness
