can have some negative effects on your health and body, making this seemingly benign activity deadly. Let's know the disadvantages of sitting for long periods.
Disadvantages of sitting for long periods
Weak legs and buttocks
By sitting all day, you are not relying on strong lower body muscles. And you should know that not using the muscles for a long time, leads to a decrease in muscle mass and weakness. This leads to muscle atrophy, which is the weakness of these muscles. Without strong leg muscles and fibers, your body is vulnerable to injury.
overweight
Moving causes your muscles to release molecules such as lipoprotein lipase, which helps process the fats and sugars you eat. When you spend most of your day sitting, these molecules are less secreted, which increases weight and fat gain. This increases your risk of metabolic syndrome, even if you exercise.
Spinal weakness
As with the muscles in your leg and buttocks, the muscles in your back will struggle to show. Sitting shortens the muscles in your thighs, and sitting posture can hurt your back, especially if you're sitting in the wrong position or not in a comfortable chair. Also, poor posture can put pressure on the spinal discs and can lead to chronic pain.
anxiety and depression
You may be surprised to learn that research has confirmed that sitting for long periods increases the risk of depression and anxiety. The researchers suggested the reason is a lack of mental fitness when a person spends his days sitting rather than moving. You can prevent this point by exercising regularly.
Increased risk of cancer
Studies show that prolonged sitting can increase the risk of certain types of cancer, including lung, uterine, and colon cancer.
heart disease
One study found that men who spent more than 23 hours a week watching TV increased their chances of developing cardiovascular disease by 64%. The researchers confirmed that people who sit the most are at a 147% risk of heart attack or stroke.
Diabetes
People who sit for a long time have a 112% higher risk of developing diabetes. The researchers confirmed that just five days of bed rest increases insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes.
varicose veins
Resulting in varicose veins or spider veins. Although varicose veins are generally not dangerous to your health, in some rare cases, they can lead to more serious conditions, such as blood clots or pulmonary embolism.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
DVT is the most common type of blood clot in the legs. When part of the clot breaks off, it can cut off blood flow to other parts of the body such as the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. It is an emergency medical condition that requires immediate medical intervention because it can lead to major complications or even death. Sitting for too long, even on a long road trip, can lead to DVT.
Stiff shoulders and neck
It is normal to feel pain in your shoulders or neck when sitting for long periods, and the pain increases with incorrect posture.
That is why doctors recommend movement if you sit for long periods to maintain normal blood circulation to the legs and reduce the risk of varicose veins or clots.