We all enjoy being a couch potato from time to time. Some days we just want to binge-watch a show or get lost in a good book. This is great from time to time, but spending too much time sitting can actually lead to health problems. Luckily, these health problems can often be avoided by getting enough physical activity. However, sitting down for 6 or more hours every day while also not getting enough exercise can increase the risk of developing colon cancer, breast cancer, heart disease, or type 2 diabetes.^1,2 While it seems like no big deal (after all, you’re just sitting there), too much sitting can be a public health issue. A recent study demonstrates exactly how big of a problem excessive sitting is.³   

The study focused on health data from Argentina. The researchers set out to measure the damage that excessive sitting causes both in terms of deaths and economic costs. More specifically, they wanted to trace all the deaths that were likely caused by excessive sitting among Argentinians and how much money was lost from these deaths. To do this, the researchers used data from several national surveys and disease statistics. The researchers were able to calculate how much of Argentina’s deaths were the result of people sitting for 6 or more hours a day. Next, these findings were plugged into an economic formula to see how much this impacts Argentina’s economy.  

For the health impact of excessive sitting, the study found that around 11% of deaths from colon cancer, 4% of deaths from breast cancer, 5% of deaths from coronary heart disease, and 29% of deaths from diabetes, as well as 15% of all-cause deaths, were from sitting for 6 or more hours a day. For the economic impact, the study results showed that deaths from excessive sitting time cost Argentina roughly 3 billion dollars each year. The researchers conclude that if Argentinians avoid extended sitting time each day, it could save around 46,000 lives and billions of dollars every year.  

Altogether, this study shows that there can be major consequences from not getting enough physical activity. Doctors recommend getting at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, and even just getting a 20-minute walk in every day can benefit your health. If we all make sure to get in some exercise in between work and binging our favorite show on Netflix, we will all be healthier and wealthier.   

1. Piercy KL, Troiano RP, Ballard RM, et al. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. JAMA. 2018;320(19):2020-2028. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.14854 
2. Heron L, O’Neill C, McAneney H, Kee F, Tully MA. Direct healthcare costs of sedentary behaviour in the UK. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2019;73(7):625-629. doi:10.1136/jech-2018-211758 
3. García-Witulski C. Valuing preventable deaths from major non-communicable diseases and all causes associated with sedentary behavior in Argentina. Public Health. 2023;218:25-32. doi:10.1016/j.puhe.2023.02.011