So what if you site all day? You exercise multiple times every week, aren’t overweight, eat healthy–that should counteract it, right?
Not so, says a recent report by the The Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Based on their research, “prolonged TV viewing and time spent in other sedentary pursuits is associated with increased risks of certain types of cancer.” And yes, this includes sitting at your desk.
Adjustment for physical activity did not affect the positive association between sedentary behavior and cancer,” the authors write. Even participants who achieved the daily recommended levels of physical activity were at the same risk as those who spent their day sitting. “[The results] indicate that the increased risk of cancer seen in individuals with prolonged time spent sedentary is not explained by the mere absence of physical activity in those persons,” the researchers say.
Besides the usual weight gain issues, the researchers pointed the finger at the fact that such behavior causes “harmful biological signaling.” In short, sitting all the time causes your body to change its chemistry.
“A few hours of sitting suppresses a gene that helps keep your cardiovascular system healthy by controlling inflammation and blood clotting.”
Not good.
Read more over at the Quartz web site.