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Break up sitting: Slash cancer death risk
2 Jul
Summary
- Every extra hour of sedentary time may increase cancer mortality risk.
- Interrupting prolonged sitting with light activity lowers cancer risk.
- Light movement should not be overlooked for health benefits.
New research suggests that every additional hour spent sitting or lying down while awake may heighten the risk of developing cancer and dying from it. A sedentary lifestyle has long been linked to various health issues, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
The study, published in PLOS Medicine, analyzed data from over 91,000 UK Biobank participants. It distinguished between prolonged sedentary behavior and interrupted sedentary behavior. Those who experienced prolonged sitting showed a higher risk of cancer mortality and incidence.
Conversely, individuals who broke up their sitting or lying time with short intervals of movement experienced a lower risk of cancer and type 2 diabetes. Replacing one hour of prolonged sitting with light physical activity was associated with a 12% reduced risk of cancer death.
This underscores the importance of light movement, which current health guidelines may overlook. The findings suggest that incorporating regular light activity throughout the day is crucial for mitigating cancer risks.
