Sedentary Lifestyle Risks: How you are killing yourself by sitting down!

According to a recent report by WHO, the consequences of inactive lifestyle are costing around 2 million lives per year. You have a higher chance of developing conditions like anxiety, depression, obesity, diabetes or cardiovascular diseases due to it. Being aware of the health risks of physical inactivity will help you take the first step to prevent the life-threatening results of a sedentary lifestyle.

How does a sedentary lifestyle affect your physical and mental health?

A sedentary lifestyle of little to no physical exercise, sitting in front a computer or parking yourself in front of the television, increases the risk of a number of serious medical conditions, especially the following:ObesityA Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 and above is clinically termed as obesity. It is one of the most common health problems caused by lack of exercise and physical inactivity. You gain calories when you eat, and burning them through physical activities is essential. A sedentary lifestyle hinders this process of calorie burning leading to fat deposition and ultimately obesity. DiabetesOne of the effects of inactivity on the body is Diabetes. A sedentary lifestyle leads to an unhealthy body weight. This in turn can make your body unresponsive to insulin thereby increasing the sugar level in your blood.Cardiovascular DiseasesSerious medical conditions like pulmonary embolism, increased blood pressure, deep vein thrombosis describe how lifestyle contributes to cardiovascular diseases. Leading a sedentary lifestyle affects your circulatory system and heart function. It has been observed that the risk of a cardiovascular event increases by 5-17% across age groups with as little as 2 hours of combined screen and sitting time. Psychological ConditionsThe consequences of an inactive lifestyle include abrupt mood swings and depression. It may also affect your memory and disrupt your sleeping patterns.

Can inactive lifestyle lead to death? (Sedentary death syndrome)

Yes, a sedentary lifestyle can lead to death. The adverse consequences to your health and well-being as a result of an inactive lifestyle defines sedentary death syndrome. The effects of inactivity on the body include hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke. It has also been found to be associated with erectile dysfunction, higher risks of osteoporosis and even certain cancers. Leading a physically inactive lifestyle can significantly slow down the blood circulation to your feet and ankles. It can cause blood clots, acute pain and swelling. Both bone and muscle strength deteriorates as a result of inactivity.

Ways to jump back to an active life

Considering the many health risks of physical inactivity, you should be vigilant about your diet and exercise. In order to avoid lifestyle diseases one should:

• Exercise regularly (for at least 30 minutes)
• Stick to a healthy and well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients and minerals
• Walk instead of taking the alternatives for transportation to stay active
• Take the stairs instead of elevators
• Develop hobbies such as gardening, dancing, playing a sport etc. to enhance mobility and get away from the monotony of daily life
• Give up smoking and alcohol consumption

With over 60-85% of the world’s population leading a sedentary lifestyle, the risks of a number of chronic diseases have increased exponentially. This makes it important for you to be aware of the possible consequences of an inactive lifestyle. Plan your daily routine carefully to lead a healthy and active life. [av_promobox button='yes' label='Consult A Physician On MediBuddy' link='https://www.medibuddy.in/?utm_source=blog_cta&utm_medium=blog' link_target='' color='blue' custom_bg='#f00' custom_font='#ffffff' size='large' icon_select='no' icon='ue800' font='entypo-fontello']A sedentary life has its own risks. You can’t sit back and let health issues gather momentum. Consult a doctor to find out where your health stands as of today. [/av_promobox]