A recent extensive study conducted on a large scale has brought to light the potential dangers of prolonged sitting at the workplace, particularly concerning the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. The research, encompassing data from over half a million individuals, reveals a concerning trend where those who engage in predominantly sedentary work activities face a significantly higher risk of death, especially attributed to cardiovascular issues. In contrast, individuals who incorporate movement into their work routine or engage in intermittent sitting show no increased risk compared to those who are more consistently active.
The study, published in the prestigious journal JAMA Network Open, delves into the habits of participants aged twenty and above over a span of two decades in Taiwan. Researchers categorised participants based on their level of occupational sitting into three groups: those who predominantly sit, those who alternate between sitting and standing, and those who are mostly active or non-sitting during work hours. After adjusting for factors such as body mass index, smoking habits, and age, the results demonstrate a clear correlation between prolonged sitting and elevated mortality rates. Individuals in the “mostly sitting” group exhibited a 16% higher risk of overall mortality and a staggering 34% increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease compared to their counterparts in the “mostly nonsitting” category.
The findings further highlight the significance of incorporating movement and exercise into daily routines to counteract the adverse effects of extended periods of sitting. Even short bursts of activity, as brief as 15 minutes throughout the day, have shown to mitigate the associated health risks. Experts emphasise the importance of reducing prolonged sitting in the workplace and increasing physical activity to combat the risks posed by sedentary behaviour.
Moreover, sedentary lifestyles have been linked to a multitude of health issues beyond cardiovascular disease, including type 2 diabetes, cancer, and mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety. Studies have also drawn attention to the impact of sedentary behaviour on dementia risk, particularly for individuals who spend extended periods in a seated position.
The World Health Organisation has acknowledged the importance of addressing sedentary behaviour in its physical activity guidelines, recommending adults to limit prolonged sitting and incorporate regular exercise into their daily lives. Experts advocate for cultural and occupational changes to discourage prolonged sitting at work, drawing parallels with successful public health initiatives aimed at reducing smoking rates.
To promote a more active work environment and reduce sedentary behaviour, experts suggest simple strategies such as taking regular breaks to move around, utilising set break periods for physical activity, and finding opportunities to incorporate more movement into daily routines. Encouraging individuals to participate in leisure time physical activities or aiming for a specific score using metrics like Personal Activity Intelligence can help offset the risks associated with prolonged sitting.
The study underscores the importance of breaking up sedentary periods with movement and exercise to mitigate the health risks associated with prolonged sitting. By adopting healthier habits both at work and in leisure time, individuals can take proactive steps towards improving their overall well-being and reducing the negative impact of sedentary behaviour.
