LONDON: Spending long periods sitting each day may significantly increase the risk of dying from cancer, according to a new study that adds to growing evidence linking sedentary lifestyles to serious health problems.
Researchers at the University of Glasgow analyzed data from more than 90,000 adults whose physical activity was monitored using wearable trackers for seven days. Participants were then followed for more than 12 years.
The study found that people who frequently remained seated and inactive for at least 30 minutes at a time faced a higher risk of developing several types of cancer and of dying from the disease.
The increased risk was particularly associated with obesity-related cancers, including cancers of the esophagus, liver, kidney, pancreas, colon, breast and thyroid.
Researchers found that reducing daily sitting time by one hour was associated with a 12% lower risk of cancer-related death.
The findings build on previous research showing that even short periods of physical activity can improve the body’s metabolic response and help offset some of the harmful effects of prolonged sitting.
According to the researchers, extended periods of inactivity can impair the body’s ability to process fats in the bloodstream, increase blood pressure, contribute to inflammation, alter hormone levels and weaken muscles. Prolonged sitting has also been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, depression and anxiety.
The study was published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS Medicine.
Health experts note that while the study found an association between prolonged sitting and cancer-related deaths, it does not by itself prove that sitting directly causes cancer.
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They recommend breaking up long periods of sitting with regular movement and physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle.
