Key Takeaway
Prolonged sedentary time is independently associated with higher mortality and disease risk, even among people who exercise regularly.
Summary
This meta-analysis of 47 studies examined the relationship between sedentary time and health outcomes. The researchers found that prolonged sitting was associated with significantly higher risks of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.
Critically, these associations persisted even after adjusting for physical activity levels. People who exercised regularly but sat for long periods still had elevated health risks compared to those with less sedentary time.
This study established that sedentary behavior is an independent risk factor - you cannot fully "exercise away" the harms of prolonged sitting.
Methods
- Meta-analysis of 47 studies
- Over 800,000 participants total
- Adjusted for physical activity levels
- Examined multiple health outcomes
Key Results
- Sedentary time increases all-cause mortality risk
- Increased cardiovascular disease risk
- Higher cancer incidence
- Greater type 2 diabetes risk
- Effects persist despite regular exercise
Limitations
- Observational studies (no causation proof)
- Self-reported sitting time in many studies
- Heterogeneous definitions of sedentary