The Dangers of Sitting Too Much—and How to Fix It

Modern life has many of us sitting for hours at a time, whether at work, in the car, or on the couch. Unfortunately, sitting too much has been linked to serious health problems, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even early death.

Prolonged sitting slows metabolism, reduces circulation, and puts stress on the back and hips. Over time, this can cause poor posture, stiffness, and chronic pain.

The good news is that small changes can counteract these risks. Experts recommend standing up every 30 to 60 minutes to stretch or walk. Using a standing desk, taking walking meetings, or simply pacing while on phone calls can add valuable movement to your day.

Regular exercise also helps offset sitting, but it’s not enough on its own. Movement needs to be frequent, not just once at the gym. Think of sitting as the “new smoking”—something to be broken up as often as possible.

By building small bursts of activity into your routine, you can protect your health and feel more energized.