In 2008, according to the American National Health Interview Survey, conducted by the Centres of Disease Control and Prevention, 36% of adults in the United States were considered inactive. And more than 59% of adult respondents have never participated any vigorous physical activity. This is the same problem in most of the developed countries. On the other hand, in the developing countries this percentage is less. This leaves us to think whether development is the main problem.
Effects of a Sedentary Lifestyle
World Health Organisation listed sedentary lifestyle as one of the top ten causes for disability and death.
Heart Diseases: Sedentary lifestyle almost doubles the risk of getting coronary artery disease. This increases the risk of heart disease or some times even heart failure.
Type II Diabetes: It is important to keep your weight proportional to height. Overweight or obesity is a major threat for developing type 2 diabetes. When people are obese, insulin in the body is not utilised properly, and as a result blood sugar levels will increase.
Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle
Obesity and sedentary lifestyle are interconnected. That is, obesity makes an individual lazy leading to a sedentary lifestyle, and sedentary lifestyle increases obesity. Some of the activities that play an important role to become obese are
Television: It is true that television relieves stress, but watching it whole day with out any physical activity can increase the risk of obesity.
Internet & Chatting: About a decade back, people are less aware of internet. They used to go physically to the nearest library to read, and go to the government offices for paying bills. Due to the latest advancements in technology most of these are done through internet. People sit before the computer for hours to chat, this is a major concern to increase weight
Online shopping: It is very hard for a person to maintain a family, go to work and do shopping at the same time. It is important to maintain a balance between them, but online shopping has made many to sit at home with out moving. After the online shopping came to existence, 35% of mums stopped going to the shops.
