Sitting too much ‘harms heart health regardless of exercise’

A new US study has shed new light on the potentially harmful impact of sedentary behaviour on cardiorespiratory fitness levels.

Conducted by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, the research revealed that two hours of sedentary behaviour can be just as harmful as 20 minutes of exercise is beneficial, underlining the need for more active lifestyles.

Examining data from 2,223 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, it was revealed that low-energy activities such as sitting, driving, watching television and reading can all be harmful to cardiorespiratory fitness.

The findings not only highlight the need for people to take more exercise, but also underline the importance of altered working habits to protect office staff from the health impact of extended sitting.

Senior author Dr Jarett Berry, assistant professor of internal medicine and clinical science at the university, said: "Avoiding sedentary behavior throughout the day may represent an important companion strategy to improve fitness and health, outside of regular exercise activity."

Previous studies have suggested that sedentary lifestyles can be associated with an elevated risk of mortality among both women and men.