Sitting Risk- Janta-chai what are the risks of sitting too long at work?
To survive in human life, one must adopt a profession. Some professions require individuals to sit at a desk for a certain duration. But today we know what are the risks of sitting too long at work. However, sitting for prolonged periods can lead to various diseases, some of which may be fatal. Research has shown that sedentary individuals are more prone to high blood pressure, diabetes, waist fat, excess blood cholesterol, heart problems, and weight gain. According to researchers, standing or walking are the most effective strategies to prolong life, as they strengthen the covering of cellular material chromosomes ‘telomere’, thus protecting your internal genetic code or DNA. The less time an individual spends sitting, the less their telomere deteriorates, which in turn, increases their chances of longevity.
The negative impact of long sitting periods is the accumulation of body fat, and particularly rapid belly fat gain. This is because the body’s metabolism slows down during sitting, which reduces calorie burning, and long sitting periods facilitate fat accumulation around the waist. Consequently, the risk of developing diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and hyperlipidemia increases.
Additionally, there may be a disruption in the insulin level production by the pancreas. This results in increased body blood sugar, leading to diabetes. Besides diabetes, high blood sugar can sometimes cause stroke or heart and kidney-related complications. Prolonged sitting can also negatively affect mental health, as it reduces the blood’s ability to transport oxygen to the brain, leading to a decrease in memory. Sitting also decreases blood flow and allows fatty acids in the body to block the heart easily. It is also associated with high blood pressure. Therefore, to remain healthy, one should attempt to avoid sitting for more than thirty minutes at a time.
Author:
Abdul Aziz (DMDS)
Source: Online