What are the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle?

1. You will gain weight easily
2. Your body pain can worsen
3. You can experience muscle weakness
4. You are at risk for chronic diseases

Rest is a normal part of life. However,  what’s detrimental is living an inactive lifestyle. Sitting and lying down may be comfortable, but you also need to move around to keep your body healthy. To give you an idea, here are the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle.

You Will Gain Weight Easily

Lack of exercise can make it easier for your body to gain more weight. You burn fewer calories when you don’t have physical activity. Relaxing can also make it more convenient to eat more snacks. For some people, obesity then becomes a problem.  While obesity is also affected by genetic factors and hormonal changes, lifestyle is also a contributing cause. In a study, it has been shown that TV viewing is linked to higher body mass index and higher waist circumference. This is because it is commonly accompanied by the consumption of unhealthy food such as beer and soft drinks. 

Your Body Pain Can Worsen

The greater your weight, the higher your risk for joint pain and diseases like osteoarthritis. This is because your body is carrying an extra load that can increase the stress on your knees and hips. The fat in your body will also cause inflammation, further hurting your joints. Aside from this, a study has also shown a sedentary lifestyle increased the times people experienced low back pain. Similar results are also seen in sedentary employees, who spend most of their time sitting. Bad posture may also be a contributing factor, especially when working in front of a computer for prolonged periods.

You Can Experience Muscle Weakness

Muscle weakness is a condition that starts mildly and gets worse with time. It can make it hard to maintain a good posture, walk properly, and make your joints more painful. Aside from medication and underlying medical conditions, physical inactivity is also a common cause. This is because when you don’t use your muscles, they become weaker. You may have a harder time doing simple chores that you had no problem doing in the past, making you more tired. This is where physical therapy can help, with medical professionals customizing the right exercise program for you. 

You Are At Risk For Chronic Diseases

Aside from these physical problems, a sedentary lifestyle might also increase your risk of chronic diseases. In a study, prolonged TV watching has linked not just with obesity, but also type 2 diabetes. It has also been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death and certain types of cancer. Aside from spending time exercising, it is also important to reduce the time doing sedentary activities such as sitting and lying down. This is why it is recommended to find time to move around especially if you work in an office job. 

Key Takeaway

Some of the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle are weight gain, body pain, muscle weakness, and increased risk of chronic diseases. Activities such as sitting for prolonged periods working in an office job, driving, watching television, and playing mobile games are some examples of being sedentary. If you’re suffering from the physical effects of this lifestyle, a chiropractor can help you treat your condition. This can be done by enhancing your spinal health, reducing pain in your muscles and joints, correcting your posture, and improving your mobility through physical therapy. If you’re interested, you can send a message here.