Why Prolonged Sitting Is More Dangerous Than You Think

Prolonged sitting has become an unavoidable part of modern life, but experts warn that it's far more harmful to your health than it may seem. Danny Zelbsky, a physiologist and clinical dietitian at Assuta Medical Center says that "anyone who takes fewer than 5,000 steps a day is considered to have a sedentary lifestyle. If that’s you, it’s time to go for a walk."

Dr. Alex Geftler, an orthopedic and spine specialist, added that extended periods of sitting are linked to the development of conditions like diabetes, obesity, musculoskeletal pain, and even dementia later in life. “We’re seeing more and more teens complaining of neck and upper back pain,” he said, “largely due to poor posture while using smartphones.”

According to Avi Pensky, director of the Clalit Health Services expert clinic, prolonged sitting can lead to overall degeneration of the body’s systems: “People over 55 struggle to rebuild lost muscle mass, and in older adults, the damage is even more severe. The joints, muscles, and bones are all affected- raising the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.”

Dr. Geftler also noted that long periods of sitting significantly increase the risk of developing pancreatic and lung cancer. In addition, the chances of heart attacks and strokes rise considerably with a sedentary lifestyle.

What can you do to add more movement to your daily routine? The top recommendation is to increase your level of physical activity. The Australian health authority, for example, advises getting between 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate activity per week- such as walking, swimming, or cycling.