Sitting is The New Smoking; Truly A Silent Killer

Sitting is The New Smoking

Truly a Silent Killer

Sedentary lifestyle or physical inactivity is the new trend of today’s world. People of today’s world doesn’t want to do their work by own , they fully either depend on others or on the advance technologies.

This habit of prolonged sitting during their leisure time, work time etc. leads to many hazardous effects on the individuals body.

Prolonged sitting has many adverse effects on the body including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipid profile, Headache, work stress ,anxiety, changes in psychosocial behaviour etc. These health outcomes can increase the risk of metabolic syndrome. It significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Prolonged sitting creates the imbalance between the energy consumption and energy expenditure.

Prolonged sitting also restricts the burning of calories as in this energy consumption is more than the energy expenditure.

More they sit , more they eat unhealthy and ultimately gaining calories and weight which will lead to obesity and high risk of cardiovascular disease.

In this, individuals are sitting constantly without taking any  breaks for long hours. This habit of prolonged sitting has a very bad  impact on his / her posture as these individuals never sit in a good ideal or upright posture. They always sit in a slouched position which will lead to muscular imbalance and ultimately leads to various musculoskeletal problems including back pain, neck pain , spasm , stiffness, nerve compression etc.

Prolonged sitting or prolonged physical inactivity can negatively impact the individuals mental and emotional health due to various reasons including sleep disturbances due to prolonged screen time, poor

physical health due to physical inactivity and social isolation. 

Importance of Physical Activity :

1. Physical activity is very important for the individual as it helps in maintaining the optimal balance between energy consumption and energy expenditure.

2. Physical activity helps the individuals to remain healthy, free from adverse effects of physical inactivity.

3. It also helps in maintaining balance between cardiovascular and digestive system. More we do physical activity, more healthier we get.

4. Due to physical activity, our blood circulation increase, heart pumps bloods more efficiently as  more oxygen is passed in the blood stream.

5. It also helps in removal of toxic products from the body and keeps the body healthy. 

6. Physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease as physical activity leads to calorie burning.

How to quit this New Smoking?

As discussed above, this prolonged sitting activity is killing us silently and gradually. So, we have to get rid of this by quitting and bring some modifications in our day today life.

1. Take breaks – Try to get up after every 30 minutes, and walk for 2 to 3 minutes. It offloads your spine.

2. Do stretches – Try to do stretches after every 30 min to offload your spine and to relax your muscles.

3. Eat healthy – Eat healthy and take proper nutrients in your diet .

4. Water intake –  Water intake should be increased to 3 to 4 litres per day as it helps to reduce the inflammation and relax the muscles.

5. Regular Exercises – Do regular excercise and increase your physical activity.

6. Reduce the screen time – Should reduce the screen time as it helps in maintaining sleep cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does prolonged sitting affect overall body health?
Sitting for long hours slows down blood circulation and reduces muscle activity. Over time, this can lead to weight gain, poor posture, reduced flexibility, and increased strain on the spine and joints.
2. Can sitting for long periods increase the risk of chronic pain?
Yes, prolonged sitting often leads to muscle imbalances and joint stiffness. These changes commonly contribute to neck pain, back pain, and shoulder discomfort, especially in people with desk-based jobs.
3. Is sitting continuously more harmful than standing for long hours?
Both can cause problems if done excessively, but uninterrupted sitting is particularly harmful. Lack of movement limits muscle activation and joint nutrition, increasing the risk of long-term musculoskeletal issues.
4. How often should desk workers change their position during the day?
Ideally, posture and position should be changed every 30–45 minutes. Standing up, stretching, or walking briefly helps reset muscles and reduces stress on the spine and joints.
5. Can poor sitting habits affect breathing and energy levels?
Yes, slouched sitting compresses the chest and restricts lung expansion. This can lead to shallow breathing, reduced oxygen intake, and increased fatigue during the day.
6. When should someone seek professional help for sitting-related problems?
If discomfort, stiffness, or pain becomes frequent or starts affecting daily activities, professional assessment is advised. Early intervention helps correct habits before they develop into chronic conditions.

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Dr. Ritika Aggarwal

Dr. Ritika Aggarwal

Physiotherapist

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