Title: Sedentary Lifestyle Linked to Higher Risk of Death, but Just 20 Minutes of Exercise a Day Can Counteract it, Study Finds
Subtitle: New research suggests that even a short amount of physical activity can offset the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle
Date: [Insert Date]
A sedentary lifestyle can increase one’s risk of death, but it may be countered by just 20 to 25 minutes of physical activity per day, according to a study published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The findings highlight the importance of incorporating exercise into daily routines, even for those leading busy lives.
The investigation, which was based on data from the US, Sweden, and Norway, analyzed medical records of approximately 12,000 individuals aged 50 years and older from 2003 to 2019. Participants were monitored for a minimum of two years using physical activity tracking devices for at least four days.
The research revealed that adults in affluent countries spend an average of nine to ten hours sitting down each day, primarily during work hours. Regardless of the amount of time spent sitting, the study found that larger daily totals of physical activity were associated with a lower risk of death. The study also emphasized that a severely sedentary lifestyle is linked to an increased chance of passing away.
During an average five-year follow-up period, approximately 7% of participants passed away. For those who sat for more than 12 hours a day, the risk of dying was 38% higher compared to those who remained sedentary for eight hours on average. However, this increased risk was only observed among individuals who sat for 12 or more hours and engaged in less than 22 minutes of moderate-to-intense physical activity per day.
On the other hand, the risk of death decreased by 35% for individuals who participated in just 10 minutes of moderate-to-intense physical activity each day. By increasing the daily exercise routine to 22 minutes, the greater risk of death associated with prolonged sitting was virtually eliminated.
The study’s findings recommend engaging in at least 20 to 25 minutes of physical activity each day, on average, to achieve similar benefits. Individuals can divide this exercise time into intervals, such as 50 minutes three days a week, as long as the average daily workout time falls within the suggested range.
Dr. Sagelv, one of the researchers involved in the study, emphasized the importance of constant engagement when it comes to physical activity. While finding time and motivation might be challenging for some, Dr. Sagelv pointed out that opting for a sedentary lifestyle could have long-term negative effects on health.
It is important to note that this study is observational in nature, and no causal relationship between sedentary behavior, exercise, and the risk of death can be established. The researchers also acknowledge that their measurements of sedentary hours and physical activity were not repeated over a long-term period, and other factors such as general health, mobility problems, and diet were not taken into consideration. Furthermore, certain types of activities, such as cycling, resistance training, and gardening, may not be accurately measured by activity monitors.
In conclusion, this study highlights the potential dangers of leading a sedentary lifestyle and reinforces the importance of incorporating regular physical activity into daily routines. By dedicating just a short amount of time each day to exercise, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of death associated with prolonged sitting.