An increase in newer and more innovative technological advancements has also led to a drastic increase in people living a more sedentary lifestyle. As tempting as it may sound, a way of life involving a minimum amount of physical activity can lead to dangerous consequences.
In a study carried out by WHO—World Health Organization—it was established that carrying out a sedentary lifestyle can be just as dangerous and prove to be fatal as smoking. It was calculated that an estimated of 6% of those that make Physical Inactivity a lifestyle were diagnosed with Coronary Heart diseases due to their sedentary lifestyle.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also states that a calculated 31 Million Americans were at an increased risk of developing a chronic disease due to lack of Physical activity. Mentioned below are just a few of the dangers that are related to living a Physically inactive lifestyle.
1. Mortality
Those of whom living an Inactive lifestyle are more prone to all-cause mortality to around 24%-49%. Living a healthy lifestyle with an approximate of 150 minutes of exercise per week is essential for maintaining an efficient immune system. A healthy immune system in return aids in warding off potentially fatal diseases as well as viral infections such as cold flu, etc.
2. Obesity
In a recent study carried out, it was established that a mere hour of walking n a regular basis helps in decreasing the risk of developing obesity. In America alone, Obesity accounts up to 18% of deaths across the country making it all the more essential to avoid.
A Body Mass Index of more than 30 is categorized as being Obese. Back in 2015, a positive directly proportional relationship was acknowledged between staying stationary in a sitting position and accumulating body fat. Increased liver fat, Heart fat, waist circumference and even Visceral fat was noticed in those that lived a sedentary life.
3. Osteoporosis
Physical activities which keep the body fully engaged such as running, walking or even as simple as standing help in the eventual creation of stronger and denser bones. However, prolonged periods of physical inactivity over the period, in particular for those that are aged can lead to weaker bones that are unable to carry the body weight.
Hence, Bones just like muscles, grow stronger with daily exercise which helps in the maintenance of mineral content as well as their strength.
4. Hypertension
A high Blood pressure which is also usually known by its medical term, Hypertension has been proven time and again to be one of the major causes for developing fatal and extreme medical conditions. The Blood pressure of an individual amounts up to being the rate of force at which blood is being pushed within the walls of the Arteries. Continuous high blood pressure can lead to a Heart-stroke, due to the great pumping of the blood.
Physical activity both of moderate-to-vigorous and light intensity on a daily basis have been studied as decreasing the Blood Pressure of its victims substantially.
5. Psychological Distress
Staying stationary and making Physical inactivity a daily routine has been associated with a drastic increase in the levels of Physical and emotional distress. While on the other hand vigorous-to-moderate intensity exercise on a regular basis has been noticed to have led to a reduction in mental illnesses and psychologically distressing conditions.
The continuous circulation caused by consistent bodily motion and physical movement helps in the efficient functioning of the body along with its organs. Thus the Human anatomy and body has ultimately been created for physical movement rather than staying stationary for consistently long periods of time.
We must make a habit of carrying out Physical activity—regardless of our age—which is what our body craves and wants.
This post was written by Beth Martel. She is a mother of two, a medical professional and a humanitarian. She blogs at HealthyRecharge.com.