Lack of physical activity may lead to obesity, heart problems

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: A new study suggests that most of the urban population in the developing countries are following a trend of steadily becoming more obese.

Obesity may lead to a plethora of health-related issues including type-2 diabetes, heart attack, high blood pressure, cholesterol, sleep loss etc.

Researchers have found out that sedentary behavior is linked to increased obesity, particularly in young women.

According to the study by cardiologists at UT Southwestern Medical Center, two hours of sedentary behavior can be just as harmful as 20 minutes of exercise is beneficial.

The researchers said that sedentary behavior may be an important determinant of cardiorespiratory fitness, independent of exercise and the negative effect of six hours of sedentary time on fitness levels was similar in magnitude to the benefit of one hour of exercise.

The study also found that when sitting for prolonged periods of time, any movement is good movement, and was also associated with better fitness and if one is stuck at your desk for a while, then they should shift positions frequently, get up and stretch in the middle of a thought, pace while on a phone call, or even fidget.

The study was published online in Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

(With Agency inputs)