Sitting or lying down too long promotes anxiety. And this link seems to be part of a vicious cycle. Indeed, this mental disorder in turn promotes inactivity and passivity according to an Australian study published in the medical journal BMC Public Health.
Researchers from the University of Deakin (Australia) carried out a meta-analysis of 9 studies on this subject published between 1990 and 2014. In total, the scientists studied the files of more than 13,470 participants in different studies.
The findings of this reflection revealed that 5 of the 9 studies reviewed found a positive association between physical inactivity and the level of risk for anxiety symptoms.
“Our results suggest a positive association and the risk of anxiety increases with the duration of sedentary lifestyle,” explains Megan Teychenne of the Center for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, Nutritional Sciences at Deakin University.
This new study confirms the harm to health of a sedentary lifestyle, which is already responsible for the development of many chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. But, it would seem easy enough to counteract its negative effects. For example, over a three-hour period, walking for 5 minutes every hour helps maintain arterial function and blood circulation, according to the results of a study by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (United States) .
Sedentary lifestyle is harmful to health
To keep fit and maintain health, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends taking 10,000 steps per day. The benefits of physical activity are indeed scientifically proven. Regular sport can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by up to 39%, the risk of developing colorectal cancer by 26%, the risk of having a stroke by 25% and the risk of diabetes is 34%. Sedentary lifestyle is today the 4th risk factor for mortality in the world after high blood pressure, smoking and diabetes.
Read also:
Sedentary lifestyle would kill more than obesity
Walking a little but regularly limits the effects of a sedentary lifestyle
Sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of heart failure
