Recognising The Red Flags: Signs & Side Effects Of A Sedentary Lifestyle

In this modern world of advancing work culture, it's not unusual to spend most of the day sitting. However, this sedentary lifestyle is hazardous to your health in so many ways. 

Short-term inactivity may increase depression or anxiety. This also affects how your body processes fat and sugar in your diet, which leads to sudden weight gain if you don't burn enough calories. Long-term, a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of death from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. It also reduces the quality of life through increased knee pain, increased incidence of depression, and decreased cognitive function. 

However, physical activity improves overall energy levels, strength, and endurance and maintains bone strength. Globally, one in four adults and more than 80% of adolescents do not meet recommended sedentary physical activity levels. This has surprising implications for future health, as physical activity is a risk factor for death. People who are not active enough have a 20 to 30 per cent higher risk of morbidity than those who are sufficiently active.  

This blog will be a thorough explanation of effects of sedentary lifestyle along with the signs or ‘red flags’ you need to be cautioned about. Keep reading to learn more about the risk of sedentary lifestyle.  

Table Of Contents 

What Is Sedentary Lifestyle? 

A sedentary lifestyle is one in which a person is physically inactive and engages in little or no exercise and/or movement. It is defined as waking behaviour, such as sitting or bending, with an energy expenditure of less than 1.5 metabolic tasks (MET). 

A sedentary lifestyle has serious implications for the overall health of the world's population. Many people around the world are leading a sedentary lifestyle, and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases associated with this is increasing. It is a well-known fact that lack of physical activity, or lack of physical activity, has detrimental effects on health. 

Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality, accounting for 6% of global mortality. Sedentary people often sit or lie down all day while engaging in activities such as socialising, watching TV, playing video games, reading, or using a cell phone or computer. A sedentary lifestyle leads to poor health, disease, and many preventable causes of death. 

Signs Of A Sedentary Lifestyle  

Signs of a sedentary lifestyle can appear both physically and mentally, and sometimes, they are so small that you don't even realise it's happening to you. It's important to understand and acknowledge the signs so you can adjust and improve your health and quality of life. Signs that you are leading a sedentary lifestyle include:  

1. Sleeplessness 

Lack of physical activity can lead to increased levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can disrupt the body's natural sleep-wake cycle and result in sleeplessness. Additionally, sedentary behaviour is often associated with poor sleep hygiene, such as irregular sleep schedules and excessive screen time before bed, both of which can interfere with the body's ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. However, a moderate amount of exercise can help you relieve fatigue and sleep better.  

2. Fatigue 

If you can't sleep at night, this may partly explain your fatigue, but your sedentary lifestyle is also a factor. When you are active, your body releases endorphins, a burst of energy that improves your mood and relieves pain. If you don't move, endorphins aren't released, which can lead to fatigue.  

Also Read: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Types, Symptoms, Causes 

3. Difficulty In Concentration 

Have you noticed that your brain feels a little foggy, or you can't focus on tasks like you used to? Not getting enough physical activity can significantly reduce your attention, concentration, and motivation. 

4. Body Aches And Pain 

A sedentary lifestyle often leads to body aches and pains due to decreased muscle activity and blood circulation. Prolonged periods of sitting or inactivity can cause muscle stiffness, tension, and poor posture, leading to discomfort and pain in various parts of the body. Lack of physical activity can contribute to weight gain and weaken muscles, thus increasing the strain on joints and causing further discomfort. 

3. What are the side effects of sedentary lifestyle on students? 

Studies have shown that children who engage in sedentary behaviours are at an increased risk for several negative health outcomes, such as obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and poor mental health. 

4. What is the relationship between sedentary lifestyle and diabetes? 

Several factors are involved in sugar level regulation in type 2 diabetes, including genetic and environmental interactions, increased calorie intake (high-fat diet) and lack of exercise. All these factors induce insulin-related abnormalities, ultimately leading to events that cause late-onset type 2 diabetes. 

5. What should be included in the diet for sedentary lifestyle? 

Take raw foods like salads, fruits and vegetable juices. Focus on eating healthy food rather than processed or junk. 

6. What is the risk of sedentary lifestyle? 

If you live a sedentary lifestyle, you have a higher risk of gaining sudden weight, type 2 diabetes or heart related disease, and experiencing depression and anxiety. 

References 

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