We understand that after a long day you just want to get home and relax. You’d much rather turn on your favorite TV show than taking the dog for a walk or heading over to the gym. Passing up on that extra exercise is fine every once in a while, but make sure to not make it a habit! Behavior like this can lead to a sedentary lifestyle.

A sedentary way of life involves very little physical activity. Instead of participating in sports and outdoor activities where the body is constantly moving, these people enjoy sitting or laying down. Immobile activities include the likes of video games, TV, reading, and using a computer or phone for long periods of time. It’s alright to engage in these activities occasionally, but doctors warn that too much time spent in a sedentary state can seriously affect your health. In fact, a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that a sedentary lifestyle could directly influence your chances of all‐cause mortality.

The study:

The study, “Television Viewing, Computer Use, Time Driving, and All‐Cause Mortality”, sought to test the rates of deaths occurring due to the specific lifestyle attributes of their participants. The three tested baselines of this study were television, computer, and driving time. 

The study found non-significant associations between computer use or time spent driving and mortality, a conclusion that is being confirmed/debunked through additional studies. However, it was found that television viewing was directly associated with increased all‐cause mortality. In a nutshell, it means that the more time you remain sedentary watching TV, the higher the probability of dying due to one of the various illnesses or complications that come with it.

Why you shouldn’t stay seated:

  • Fewer physical activities = Burning fewer calories, which = Weight Gain. Weight gain in itself can also cause a myriad of health issues unrelated to a sedentary lifestyle.
  • You can develop cardiac risks and various heart diseases. ICCLI offers a holistic heart health program for anyone suffering from possible, probable, or current health issues.
  • Blood circulation becomes poor, which can lead to serious complications
  • Your metabolism may become compromised or inefficient
  • Your immune system is weakened by unhealthy food (like delivery) and lifestyle choices
  • Inactivity leads to decreased muscle strength
  • Inactivity may weaken your bones as you lose mineral content

If you find yourself gaining weight or suffering from any of the complications listed above, ICCLI offers revolutionary physician-supervised programs for weight loss. If you have any further questions on our programs or how we can help to achieve a new you, contact us online to schedule an appointment.