Epidemiological evidence is accumulating that indicates greater time spent in sedentary behavior is associated with all-cause and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in adults such that some countries have disseminated broad guidelines that recommend minimizing sedentary behaviors. Research examining the possible deleterious consequences of excess sedentary behavior is rapidly evolving, with the epidemiologybased literature ahead of potential biological mechanisms that might explain the observed associations. This American Heart Association science advisory reviews the current evidence on sedentary behavior in terms of assessment methods, population prevalence, determinants, associations with cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality, potential underlying mechanisms, and interventions. Recommendations for future research on this emerging cardiovascular health topic are included. Further evidence is required to better inform public health interventions and future quantitative guidelines on sedentary behavior and cardiovascular health outcomes. E vidence is accumulating that sedentary behavior might be associated with increased cardiovascular-specific and overall mortality. Insufficient physical activity predicts premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and disease burden, such that the United States and other developed countries have issued physical activity guidelines, but these guidelines are specific to physical activity and do not include sedentary behavior.1 Sedentary behavior guidelines to reduce the risk of chronic diseases for adults have been developed in some countries, but they are broadly stated and nonquantitative. For example, Australia and the United Kingdom have public health guidelines stating that adults should minimize the amount of time spent being sedentary (sitting) for extended periods.2,3 Such broad public health guidelines for adults are likely appropriate, because evidence is still accumulating regarding the strength of the association, the evidence for causation (including understanding mechanisms), and the support for dose-response relationships that demonstrate sedentary behavior to be an independent risk factor for adverse health outcomes. Although at one time, excess sedentary behavior was considered to be at one end of the continuum of physical activity such that a person with no moderateto-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was considered "sedentary," consensus is building that sedentary behavior is distinct from lack of MVPA. Even the word "sedentary," derived from the Latin "sedentarius" and defined as "sitting, remaining in one place," connotes a different set of behaviors than non-MVPA. 4 Thus, researchers studying MVPA, physical inactivity, and sedentary behavior are now viewing these behaviors as separate entities with their own unique determinants and health consequences. CLiniCAL STATEMEnTS And GUidELinESThis American Heart Association science advisory summarizes the existing evidence about sedentary behavior as a potential risk factor for CVD and...

Use of Wii Fit for limited supervised balance training in the home was safe and feasible for a selected sample of older adults. Further research is needed to determine clinical efficacy in a larger, diverse sample and ascertain whether Wii Fit exergames can be integrated into physical therapy practice to promote health in older adults.

This scientific statement is about sedentary behavior and its relationship to obesity and other cardiometabolic outcomes in youth. A deleterious effect of sedentary behavior on cardiometabolic health is most notable for screen-based behaviors and adiposity; however, this relation is less apparent for other cardiometabolic outcomes or when sedentary time is measured with objective movement counters or position monitors. Increasing trends of screen time are concerning; the portability of screen-based devices and abundant access to unlimited programming and online content may be leading to new patterns of consumption that are exposing youth to multiple pathways harmful to cardiometabolic health. This American Heart Association scientific statement provides an updated perspective on sedentary behaviors specific to modern youth and their impact on cardiometabolic health and obesity. As we reflect on implications for practice, research, and policy, what emerges is the importance of understanding the context in which sedentary behaviors occur. There is also a need to capture the nature of sedentary behavior more accurately, both quantitatively and qualitatively, especially with respect to recreational screen-based devices. Further evidence is required to better inform public health interventions and to establish detailed quantitative guidelines on specific sedentary behaviors in youth. In the meantime, we suggest that televisions and other recreational screen-based devices be removed from bedrooms and absent during meal times. Daily device-free social interactions and outdoor play should be encouraged. In addition, parents/guardians should be supported to devise and enforce appropriate screen time regulations and to model healthy screen-based behaviors.

Bariatric surgery appears to increase survival even in the high-risk, Medicare population, both for individuals aged 65 and older and those disabled and under 65. In addition, the diagnosed prevalence of weight-related comorbid conditions declined after bariatric surgery relative to a control cohort of morbidly obese patients who did not undergo surgery.

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