A Japanese study reveals that TV marathons increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis by 70 to 250%.
For some, a sedentary lifestyle has become a way of life. With the arrival of VOD sites, of which Netflix is the flagship, it has reached an unprecedented stage. The series episodes are linked automatically. Everything is there to keep the viewer riveted on his sofa. There is no doubt about the joys of the TV marathon. But the consequences are serious: its followers are more exposed to the risk of pulmonary embolism. Researchers from the University of Osaka (Japan) explain it in the journal Circulation.
70% more risk
86,000 Japanese, aged 40 to 79, were questioned about their television consumption between 1988 and 1990. At that time, the culture of the TV marathon was less anchored in manners. But a sedentary lifestyle already had serious consequences. After 19 years of average follow-up, the team observed the death of 59 people from pulmonary embolism. This cardiovascular incident occurs after a blood clot forms in the legs or pelvis. This breaks off and travels up to the lungs, causing deep vein thrombosis. Physical inactivity and slowing blood flow promote this severe complication.
Among the deceased volunteers, the majority watched television for more than two and a half hours a day. 13 even went so far as to chain episodes for more than 5 hours. This sedentary lifestyle results in a 70% increase in the risk of pulmonary embolism for “moderate” users (2.5 to 4.9 hours per day). It is more than doubled among television fans.
Obesity strengthens the link
“This might sound alarming, but it is important to stress that deaths from pulmonary embolism are rare,” tempers the analysis site of the British health service NHS Choices. A dedicated article recalls that the number of deaths is reduced in view of the large cohort recruited. “This low number also means that the association could be the result of luck,” he adds.
The study authors note, however, that the cases were arguably underestimated. This is because the main symptoms can be confused with other major incidents: they are characterized by chest pain and shortness of breath. In any case, it is the sedentary lifestyle that increases the risk of suffering from it: by refining the analyzes, the study finds that obesity reinforces this association.
Stir regularly
If, during the follow-up, the TV marathon had not passed into Japanese culture, the observation no longer applies to this day. “The Japanese people are more and more adept of a sedentary lifestyle, which puts them at increased risk,” warns Hiroyasu Iso. In Europe, where pulmonary embolism and sedentary lifestyle are more frequent, the problem therefore remains major.
The authors therefore recommend that followers of binge watching to move regularly between episodes. After an hour of viewing, getting up, stretching and walking are good solutions for toning the lower limbs. It is also possible, while watching a series, to tighten and relax the muscles for 5 minutes.
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