Prolonged Sitting As A Health Risk

People who sit for more than 11 hours a day have a 40% increased risk of dying over the next 3 years, compared with people who sit for fewer than 4 hours a day. This holds true even for people who exercise regularly, a study has found. An Australian group did the study. It included self-reported information from more than 220,000 adults ages 45 and older. Mortality rates were 40% higher for people who sat for more than 11 hours a day, and 15% higher for people who sat for 8 to 11 hours a day. Researchers took exercise, weight and general health into account. They note that the study does not prove that sitting causes the risk. People who sit for long periods may be less healthy or have other issues that make it difficult for them to stand or walk. The study followed people for only 3 years. It also used information that the people reported themselves.