Sitting Is Linked to Early Death

Observational data from over 1 million people shows that the more sedentary you are, the more likely you are to die early.

In fact, the most sedentary people had a 22–49% greater risk of early death.

However, even though the majority of evidence supports this finding, one study found no link between sitting time and overall mortality.

This study had some flaws, which likely explain why it contradicts all other research in the area.

BOTTOM LINE: The majority of evidence suggests that the most sedentary people have a much greater risk of dying early.

Sedentary Behavior Is Linked to Disease

Sedentary behavior is consistently linked to more than 30 chronic diseases and conditions.

This includes a 112% increase in the risk of type 2 diabetes, and a 147% increase in heart disease risk.

Insulin resistance — a key driver of type 2 diabetes — has been a particular area of interest for those researching sedentary behavior.Studies have shown that walking fewer than 1,500 steps per day, or sitting for long periods without reducing calorie intake, can cause a major increase in insulin resistance.

Researchers believe that being sedentary has a direct effect on insulin resistance, and this can happen in as little as 1 day.

BOTTOM LINE: Long-term sedentary behavior increases the risk of health conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Inactivity is believed to play a direct role in the development of insulin resistance.