Health Farm

We’re increasingly taking life sitting down – and it’s doing us damage, upping our risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and overall mortality.

Adolescents can’t get enough of the couch. Over the decade to 2016 young Americans increased their total sitting time from seven hours to just over eight hours a day. Adults are sitting more, too, with the US study recording an increase in sitting time from just over five hours a day to over six hours.

Blame screens

Screens – particularly TV – appear partly to blame, with most of the US population spending three hours a day or more sitting watching television or videos. However, three hours a day feels like a grave understatement considering Nielsen figures show the average American household watches close to nine hours of television a day. Truly ass and mind-numbing.

Exercise helps – but not everyone

But wait – I know what you’re thinking – surely a quick burst around the block could potentially eliminate risks associated with all this sitting? Sorry, only for highly-active individuals. According to the study, that counts as individuals who walk briskly for at least 10 hours per week, or equivalent. This leaves most of the US population at a higher risk of mortality associated with sitting.

Time to get off your ass.