Managing Sedentary Behavior to Reduce the Risk of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

(142 words)Modern human environments are vastly different to those of our forebears. Rapidly advancing technology in transportation, communications, workplaces and home entertainment confer a wealth of benefits, but increasingly come with costs to human health.Sedentary behaviour -too much sitting as distinct from too little physical activitycontributes adversely to cardiometabolic health outcomes and premature mortality. Findings from observational epidemiology have been synthesised in meta-analyses and evidence is now shifting into the realm of experimental trials with the aim of identifying novel mechanisms and potential causal relationships. We discuss recent observational and experimental evidence that makes a compelling case for reducing and breaking up prolonged sitting time in both the primary-prevention and disease management contexts. We also highlight future research needs, the opportunities for developing targeted interventions, and the potential of population-wide initiatives designed to address too much sitting as a health risk.

Breaking up prolonged sitting time with walking does not affect appetite or gut hormone concentrations but does induce an energy deficit and suppresses postprandial glycaemia in sedentary adults

“…A shift away from emphasis on continuous exercise bouts is now emerging with research, highlighting the importance of reg-ularly interrupting prolonged periods of sitting with brief activity bouts as this improves chronic disease risk independent of time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity (Dempsey et al 2014). Experimental evidence shows that interrupting sitting with 2-min bouts of light-or moderate-intensity walking every 20 min suppresses postprandial glycaemia and insulinaemia in overweight and nonoverweight individuals (Bailey and Locke 2015;Dunstan et al 2012).…”

Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Singapore and Its Association with Dietary, Lifestyle, and Environmental Factors

“…The lifestyle for many people has become sedentary, often accompanied by significant dietary changes and/or excesses. [6][7][8][9][10] All of these factors could have directly or indirectly contributed to the shifts in the epidemiology and prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases. We aim to explore the contribution of changes in diet, lifestyle and habits that may contribute to the increased prevalence and development of IBS.…”

Prospective association of TV viewing with acute phase reactants and coagulation markers: English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

“…11 Sedentary behaviour has been consistently associated with risk of CVD in population cohort studies, [12][13][14][15] although the mechanisms remain poorly understood. Television (TV) viewing is a major component of leisure sedentary time 16 , particularly in older adults 17 and is distinct from other sedentary behaviours in that it is passive and encourages prolonged periods of sitting.…”