Sitting motionless for a long time increases the risk of death from oncological diseases.
Modern.az reports that an international group of researchers has come to this conclusion. The study, published in the "British Journal of Sports Medicine" journal, is based on the analysis of data from more than 91,000 adults. Participants' physical activity was monitored with special portable devices.
Scientists have determined that the factor affecting the risk is not only the total sitting time during the day, but also the uninterrupted times we remain inactive. Negative effects begin to increase when sitting motionless for more than 30 minutes.
According to the study, each additional hour of uninterrupted sitting time increases the risk of death from cancer by approximately 9-10 percent.
In addition, experts have determined that even a small amount of physical movement can significantly reduce this negative effect. Getting up from the workplace every 30 minutes, walking a little in the office, climbing stairs, throwing out the trash, or taking a short walk can reduce the risk of death from cancer by approximately 12 percent.
More intense physical activity has a stronger effect on fighting this disease. Just five minutes of active movement - for example, brisk walking, climbing stairs, or light jogging - can reduce this risk by approximately 22 percent.
The study authors note that modern lifestyle - office work and long periods in front of a computer - is becoming one of the risk factors for health. In their opinion, short movement breaks in the office should become a daily habit, like following a diet and sleep regimen.
Experts emphasize that these results do not mean that sitting itself directly causes cancer. However, long-term inactivity can affect the development of chronic diseases, metabolic disorders, poor blood circulation, and other processes that can lead to negative health consequences.
Researchers recommend that people who spend a lot of time at their desks get up at least every 30 minutes and make time for physical activity every day. In their opinion, such simple changes in lifestyle can significantly reduce long-term health risks.
