Is Sitting the New Smoking?

It’s no secret that smoking has detrimental effects on your health, but in some circles, there’s a new culprit to be on the lookout for – sitting. Research has found that too much sitting has been linked to higher risks for various health problems, particularly cardiovascular disease.

So, how much is “too much”?

One in four U.S. adults sit for more than eight hours a day. Consider how much you sit – while working, driving, eating, going out for drinks, watching TV, scrolling on your phone, etc. The rise in sedentary behaviors (excessive sitting) nearly doubles the risk of type 2 diabetes. Not to mention other health problems that can occur such as hip pain, back and spine issues, vascular problems like blood clots, and neck pain (“tech neck”).

How you can take control of your health

• If your job involves sitting at a desk for long periods of time, improve your workspace setup. Check out this short article for tips on Leveling Up Your Office Ergonomics .
• Stand up while talking on the phone.
• For every 30 consecutive minutes of sitting, stand up and move for 5 minutes.
• Take your lunch break away from your desk and enjoy a short walk outside if you can.
• If sitting for long periods, such as on a plane ride, consider wearing compression socks to improve your blood flow and reduce swelling in your legs.
• Stretch your muscles throughout the day – try these one-minute office stretches. .

Sanford Health, 2024. Sitting is the new smoking: “Truly a silent killer”.

Vallance JK, Gardiner PA, et al. Evaluating the Evidence on Sitting, Smoking, and Health: Is Sitting Really the New Smoking? American Journal of Public Health, 2018.

Yale Medicine, 2019. Why is sitting so bad for us?