Doctors have opened up about the harmful effects of sitting for long hours.
"As per our clinical observation, sitting for long hours without breaks can lead to several health complications, similar to smoking.
Both sitting and smoking increase the risk of heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, and various metabolic disorders, said doctors.
(Photo: Getty Images)advertisement"We advise avoiding the three S's: smoking, sitting, and sugar.
While deep vein thrombosis (DVT) from prolonged sitting isn't a major concern in offices since people tend to move around, it is a concern during long flights.
Doctors have opened up about the harmful effects of sitting for long hours. Dr Sudhir Kumar, neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, shared a post on X saying that if someone is sitting for more than 8 hours daily without any physical activity, their risk of dying is similar to the risk caused by smoking and obesity.
"Health hazards associated with prolonged sitting are: Increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, abdominal adiposity (obesity), elevated LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, heart attack, stroke, cancer and premature death," wrote Dr Kumar on X.
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Dr Rahul Tambe, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, agreed, saying that "sedentary behaviour" is as damaging as smoking.
"As per our clinical observation, sitting for long hours without breaks can lead to several health complications, similar to smoking. To draw a parallel, both habits increase the risk of heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, and various metabolic disorders," Dr Tambe told IndiaToday.In
The expert said that extended sitting impairs glucose metabolism and lipid profiles, which lead to increased insulin resistance and higher levels of harmful cholesterol. Sitting in the new smoking, said Dr Ranjan Shetty. (Photo: Getty Images)
"Prolonged sitting is associated with a higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, a condition where blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs, which can be life-threatening if the clots travel to the lungs," Dr Tambe added.
'Take 5-minute breaks every 30 to 45 minutes of sitting'
The first step to address this major challenge is to accept it as an inactive behaviour, incorporating regular physical activity into daily routines.
"Simple measures, such as standing up and walking for a few minutes every hour, using a standing desk, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or ensuring a considerable distance between your work and water stations can reduce the adverse effects of prolonged sitting," said Dr Tambe.
Dr Ranjan Shetty, HOD & Consultant, Interventional Cardiology, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, said that it's not about sitting for six or eight hours, it's about preventing an inactive lifestyle altogether. Both sitting and smoking increase the risk of heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, and various metabolic disorders, said doctors. (Photo: Getty Images)
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"We advise avoiding the three S's: smoking, sitting, and sugar. All three are harmful. While deep vein thrombosis (DVT) from prolonged sitting isn't a major concern in offices since people tend to move around, it is a concern during long flights. Therefore, we recommend getting up and walking around every three hours when flying," said Dr Shetty.
In his post, Dr Kumar advised that 60 to 75 minutes of moderate physical activity daily (such as brisk walking, running or cycling) can help counter the ill effects of prolonged sitting. Dr Sudhir Kumar's post on X.
He suggested that taking a 5-minute standing or walking break after every 30 to 45 minutes of sitting can help counter the ill effects.
Besides this, the expert said to "schedule 45 to 60 minutes walk daily."
Reduce leisure-time sitting (such as watching TV, mobile phones, and other electronic gadgets) and have meetings and coffee breaks in a standing position.
Remember, small, consistent changes can positively impact your overall well-being over time, advised Dr Shetty.
