Harvard doctor says ‘sitting is the new smoking’ but how true is this statement? We asked the experts

“While smoking is widely recognized as a health risk, many people overlook the equally significant dangers of physical inactivity,” warns Dr I-Min Lee, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Dr Lee, a leading expert on the effects of exercise, was among the first to identify inactivity as a major health hazard. Her research has spanned over a decade, highlighting the detrimental consequences of a sedentary lifestyle.

We have all heard the negative effects of smoking on our body, but equating that to the simple act of sitting may raise quite a few eyebrows. Is this just another statement floating all over the Internet, trying to scare us? Does this mean non-smokers are as much at risk as the ones smoking few packs a day? Indianexpress.com spoke to clincial experts and got more clarity.

 

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Comparing the health impacts of sitting to smoking in a one-to-one manner is complex because they affect health differently. However, some studies provide insights into the potential equivalency in terms of health risks.

“Research suggests that sitting for more than 6-8 hours a day increases the risk of premature death. A meta-analysis published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine found that prolonged sitting was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, cancer incidence, and type 2 diabetes,” shared Dr Mohit Sharma, Senior Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Endocrinology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.

According to him, studies indicate that about 60-75 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per day can offset the risks associated with prolonged sitting.

“Sitting for more than 8 hours a day is associated with a 34% increase in mortality risk, while smoking 1-5 cigarettes daily increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by about 40-50% compared to non-smokers,” he said.

“8 hours of sitting can be roughly compared to smoking 10-15 cigarettes per week in terms of increased mortality risk. This approximation is drawn from the relative increase in mortality risk and the known severe impacts of both behaviors,” he further added.

Sitting for more than 8 hours a day is associated with a 34% increase in mortality risk, (Source: Freepik)

Smoking generally results in more immediate and severe health consequences, he says, while prolonged sitting leads to more chronic, long-term health issues. “While both behaviours significantly harm health, addressing each with lifestyle changes is essential for improving overall well-being,” said the doctor.

“Sitting is often compared to smoking due to its severe impact on health. Prolonged physical inactivity can lead to a range of conditions, including metabolic syndrome, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, hypothyroidism, and both microvascular and macrovascular complications such as coronary artery disease and stroke,” said Dr Preeti Gupta, Associate Professor at Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi.

According to her, it has also been linked to certain types of cancer and mental health issues.

“Another big concern is the increase in LDL cholesterol, often called ‘bad’ cholesterol, due to extended periods of physical inactivity. Elevated LDL cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases,” she said.

To maintain a healthy heart, she said that it is crucial to stay active and regularly monitor cholesterol levels.

*DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.*

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