• Physical inactivity is often synonymous with modern life, with up to 85% of the world’s population leading a sedentary lifestyle.
  • Sitting for too long, regardless of general physical activity, is a recognized health hazard associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure.
  • New research has found that a 5-minute walking break after every 30 minutes of sitting may help regulate blood pressure and control blood sugar levels.
  • The work highlights that short exercise “snacks” during the working day may also improve mood, fatigue, and well-being.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates around 2 million deaths each year are linked to physical inactivity. The institution has described a sedentary lifestyle as being among the 10 leading causes of death and disability in the world.

The number of people leading sedentary lifestyles is increasing due to a rise in occupational sedentary behaviors, such as office work, and increased use of electronic devices.

An estimated 60–85% of people in the world and nearly two-thirds of children lead sedentary lifestyles.

Researchers and health experts are committed to finding ways to mitigate the harmful effects of prolonged sitting.

A new study from Columbia University in New York suggests that regular bursts of short exercise “snacks” throughout the working day might be enough to counter the effects of a sedentary lifestyle.

Specifically, the researchers found that a 5-minute walk every 30 minutes could offset the effects of prolonged sitting.

The work was published on Jan. 12 in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, the journal of the American College of Sports Medicine.