Is sitting really the new smoking?

The answer is no however physical inactivity is harmful.

Here are key points to consider:

Physical inactivity ranks as the 4th leading cause of all-cause mortality.

Sedentary behaviour is a distinct risk factor for mortality, chronic diseases, and cancer.

Studies link sedentary behaviour to cardiovascular disease and metabolic risk factors.

Lack of physical activity and exercise contributes to obesity.

The level of physical activity individuals engage in tends to transition from childhood to adulthood, mirroring changes in sedentary behaviour.

Excessive sitting time almost doubles the risk of type 2 diabetes, and increases risk associated with other common chronic diseases by approximately 10% to 20% that is an extra 33 CVD-related deaths, 27 cancer-related deaths, and 610 cases of diabetes per 100?000 persons per year in people with the highest volumes of sitting compared with those with the lowest volumes of sitting. Sitting has also been found to be adversely associated with the risk of depression.

However those who are physically inactive are likely to have reduced mobility, osteoarthritis and a poorer quality of life compared to those who are physically active.

Smoking is still higher risk with an increase in mortality of 180% or more than 2000 excess deaths from any cause per 100?000 persons per year among the heaviest smokers compared with never smokers.

These insights underscore the importance of not smoking, staying active and avoiding prolonged periods of sitting to promote overall health and well-being.

Being more physically active doesn't mean you have to be a slave to exercise, lycra and the gym.

Just 150 minutes weekly of moderate activity, such as walking, benefits most inactive people the most. This can be broken up into 15 minutes twice daily or 2 good 75 minute walks a week or any activity of your choice.

The benefits continue to rise the more exercise you do.

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