Long periods of sitting ‘can lead to serious health problems’

A new study from the universities of Leicester and Loughborough has demonstrated the potential negative effects on health caused by a sedentary lifestyle.

Combining the results of 18 studies, which included a total of 794,577 participants, it was found that those who sit for long periods of time experience a twofold increase in their risk of diabetes, heart disease and death.

These associations were shown to be independent of whether or not the people in question met typical physical activity guidelines – a potentially serious issue, given that the average adult spends between 50 and 70 percent of their time seated.

According to the report, it should be considered necessary for people to minimise the amount of time they spend sat down, such as through working while standing or reducing their TV watching.

Melanie Davies, professor of diabetes medicine at the University of Leicester, said: "Being sedentary is common and dangerous for our long-term health … and this link appears to be over and above other lifestyle factors such as our diet and physical activity."

The British Heart Foundation responded to the report by noting that it supports generally accepted conclusions about the harmful nature of sitting.