Today we talk about the harmful effects of a sedentary lifestyle. If you are engaged in a white-collar job, you are familiar with a sedentary lifestyle. According to Forbes, sedentary employment in America has risen by a whopping 83% since the 1950s. The massive change over-shadowed blue-collar jobs, and the latter became least preferred.
However, sedentary lifestyles come with an increased risk of developing several health issues. Already, 6% of global deaths are attributed to physical inactivity (WHO stats). The following points discuss a few harmful effects of this lifestyle.
The Harmful Effects of a Sedentary Lifestyle
It makes you prone to heart diseases
Source Unsplash.com
Since 1998, the American Heart Foundation has conducted various studies to support the link between heart disease and a sedentary lifestyle.
According to the foundation, the apparent lack of physical activity increases cholesterol levels, and blood sugar and reduces circulation in the body. These are fundamental processes that directly impact heart health and continue to wreak havoc on people’s health.
Already, obesity is a significant health issue in the country, with 42.4% of the adult population battling it. Therefore, throwing a sedentary lifestyle into the mix creates a national health problem that the US faces.
Increased risk of Osteoporosis
Brittle bones and tissue loss characterize this medical condition. How does that relate to your sedentary lifestyle? Your bones and body tissues are meant to move to enhance your physical condition.
However, with your lack of regular and sufficient activity, the bones become deprived of their daily conditioning, increasing your risk of developing Osteoporosis. Your spine is another body part that takes a significant hit after living a sedentary lifestyle for years.
First of all, it is worth noting that your backbone is not rigid. There are spaces in between them that contribute to several body movements. Ignoring this vital function by way of your sedentary lifestyle can cause progressive rigidity in your spine.
To avoid developing this condition, make a deliberate effort to get active, regardless of the demands of your white-collar job. However, if you already developed this condition, you can visit a spine center for help.
Decreased mental health
How a sedentary lifestyle impacts mental health is yet to be fully explained by medical scientists. However, available research broaching the subject believes the lack of physical activity deprives the brain of crucial ‘happy’ hormones. A report by verywellmind.com indicated that this increases depression among people.
Additionally, it causes low self-worth, reduces self-confidence, and increases the risk of cognitive decline in later years. Even worse, such mental disorders are common among the youthful working population engaged in sedentary lifestyles.
Lowers metabolism
Source Unsplash
A healthy human body has a normal metabolism, which ensures problem-free digestion. It also enhances the smooth running of chemical processes to keep your general well-being at optimum levels.
The story is not the same for a person living a sedentary life. On the contrary, digestion becomes slower, and the body takes longer to break down fats. Ultimately, that contributes to overweight and obesity issues.
With all these reasons and more, you should avoid living a sedentary lifestyle just because it feels comfortable. If you do have this lifestyle, then it is time to change your lifestyle and yourself for the better.