Smoking is one of the most dangerous habits that people have as it can lead to various health issues such as lung problems, but did you know that sitting for too long also have some adverse effects to our health too? You see, prolonged sitting can lead to hypertension, anxiety, diabetes, some types of cancer, and even early death if you don’t start changing your ways as soon as possible. With that being said, you’ve probably started seeing your officemates standing up when working on their computer to lessen the time they spend sitting down.

It appears that countries are now adding the standing desk to their office space to encourage their employees to stand up from time to time and adjust their desk accordingly. Soon enough, this will be a growing trend in many countries where computers are most likely to be used. Even at home, the idea of using an adjustable desk is enticing especially when you don’t want to be on your butt all day long.

What exactly are the dangers of prolonged sitting, then? Well, here are a few dangers that are worth mentioning.

Obesity

Sitting for hours on a daily basis can actually increase your risk of obesity. This is due to the fact that you are not expending energy hence more fat is stored in your body. Add to this the amount of food that you consume while working in front of your computer and there is simply no way you are going to get rid of all of them without moving a muscle. It is important that you time yourself when you are sitting down and go and stand from time to time and even walk for that matter.

Cardiovascular disease

With the risk of obesity at an all-time high, cardiovascular problems are sure to increase the more you spend your hours sitting down. This is because your blood is not circulating properly and the amount of calories that you are consuming can accumulate over time. When this happens, your heart has to pump harder just so you will be able to carry your weight and for your organs to function properly. Too much strain on your heart can lead to cardiovascular problems like stroke, hypertension, and heart attack.

Musculoskeletal problems

Another danger of sitting down for hours is problem with your musculoskeletal system. Since most of us hunch or slouch when we are sitting, the muscles and bones of our body can weaken. The back muscles can become tense which can lead to chronic back pain.

Diabetes

You will find that sitting for several hours can also lead to high risk of diabetes. This is due to the fact that your blood sugar levels can go up with the lack of movement and excessive consumption of foods that are high in sugar or carb content. Those who are predisposed to this illness must take steps to protect yourself from sitting down for hours because this can lead to diabetes for sure. 

The good news is that there are ways for you to fight off the sitting disease and one of them is to stand up and walk around every once in a while. It would help if you can adjust your desk too so you can stand and sit while you work. It would be a good idea to spend some time working out too as this will help burn calories and prevent weight gain too. By being aware of the dangers of prolonged sitting, you will be able to protect yourself from possible health problems in the long run.