Final answer:
Research indicates that prolonged sitting is detrimental to health, contributing to obesity and increased mortality. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends adults reduce sitting time by engaging in regular moderate to vigorous physical activity and muscle strengthening exercises to mitigate these risks and enhance overall health and life expectancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Researchers have raised concerns about the health impacts of prolonged sitting, especially given the lifestyle of many North Americans which includes significant time spent in front of screens for both work and leisure. The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), suggest that adults should strive to move more and sit less throughout the day. Even small amounts of physical activity are beneficial, but for substantial health benefits, the guidelines recommend adults engage in 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week. Beyond the minimum, there are additional health and life expectancy benefits. Muscle-strengthening activities are also recommended at least twice a week. Research has shown that physical activity can lower the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall health. In contrast, a sedentary lifestyle contributes to obesity and is associated with increased mortality rates.
Leisure activities are becoming more sedentary, with an increase in computer games, web surfing, and television viewing. These sedentary behaviors contribute to the health risks associated with sedentary lifestyles. While sitting is often unavoidable, especially in modern professional settings, breaking up sitting time with short bouts of activity can lead to significant health improvements. Indeed, as little as 30 minutes of noncontinuous exercise spread throughout the day can significantly lower the risk of heart attacks and improve vascular health.