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Impact of Sedentary Lifestyle on Health

Modern lifestyles have become increasingly sedentary due to technological advances and shifts to office work. This lack of physical activity has led to an epidemic of "hypokinetic diseases" like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Children in particular are less active today due to more time spent on sedentary activities like screen time. Regular exercise provides many health benefits and is crucial for preventing chronic diseases associated with sedentary lifestyles. Schools can play an important role in promoting physical activity and developing healthy habits in children.

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11 views5 pages

Impact of Sedentary Lifestyle on Health

Modern lifestyles have become increasingly sedentary due to technological advances and shifts to office work. This lack of physical activity has led to an epidemic of "hypokinetic diseases" like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Children in particular are less active today due to more time spent on sedentary activities like screen time. Regular exercise provides many health benefits and is crucial for preventing chronic diseases associated with sedentary lifestyles. Schools can play an important role in promoting physical activity and developing healthy habits in children.

Uploaded by

a2a4alensunny
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Modern Lifestyle and Hypokinetic diseases:

Physical activity was enjoyed throughout everyday prehistoric life as an integral


component of religious, social and cultural expression. Food supplies for the
most part were plentiful, allowing ample time for both rest and recreational
physical endeavour. Historically speaking, the majority of the populace were
farmers, moving from home to farmlands near and far. People were used to hard
work, intense and strenuous exertion. Life depended on rigorous physical
activity both in occupation and recreation. But the advent of western education
that resulted to white collar jobs and pleasure seeking life has drastically
reduced exposure to physical activity.

The industrial revolution and urbanization resulted to sedentarism and


associated problems. Hypokinetic disorders the resultant effect of the decrease
in physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle has been linked to development of
coronary artery diseases of adulthood that are major causes of death and
disability. Modern technology has also lessened the physical demands of
everyday activities like cleaning the house, washing clothes, mowing the lawn
and traveling to work. As a result, more time is available to pursue leisure
activities. The unfortunate fact, however, is that many individuals pursue
sedentary activities. What would have once required an hour of physical work
can now be accomplished in just a few seconds by pushing a button or setting a
dial. Hence Physical inactivity has lead to a rise in hypokinetic diseases. The
prefix hypo means "lack of" and kinetic refers to "movement". Although the
human body is design for movement and strenuous physical activity, exercise is
not part of the average lifestyle of most people who have also not developed the
culture of attaining fitness through regular exercise.

It has been reported that inactivity alone results in a constellation of problems


and conditions eventually leading to premature death. it is also noted that
sedentary death syndrome (SeDS) related to high blood cholesterol, high blood
glucose, hypertension, myocardial ischemia, arrhythmias, congestive heart
failure and obesity,

Technological progress resulting in an increasingly sedentary lifestyle has not


only changed the way in which the majority of people live, but also how they
die. A century ago, the leading causes of death in the most countries of the
world were infectious diseases. Because of vaccine and: these diseases are no
longer life-threatening. While advances in modern medicine can prolong
people's lives, physical activity can help make these additional years' healthy
ones. Yet while advances in medical care and diet over the past century have
diminished the problems of infection and malnutrition, these advances have
been counterbalanced by what can be termed the "civilisation disease." Many
health problems that were common a century ago do not exist today, but they
have been replaced by conditions associated with hypokinesia and an affluent
lifestyle, such as high blood pressure, obesity, and coronary heart disease.
antibiotics,

Worldwide, rapid changes in diets and lifestyles have occurred, along with
industrialization, urbanization, economic development, and market
globalization. The prevalence of obesity and overweight is increasing in both
adult and child population throughout the world. The major problems associated
with child obesity are its persistence into adult life and these obese children will
most likely become obese adults and carry all the extra risks for diseases such as
heart attack strokes, high blood pressure, and diabetes Research has also found
that childhood obesity is both an immediate and future health problem. 60
percent of overweight children already suffer from hypertension, and
hyperlipidemia. Type 2 diabetes, previously considered an adult disease, has
increased dramatically in children and adolescents. Overweight and obesity are
closely linked to type Il diabetes. Increased obesity has led to a new epidemic of
type 2 diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents.
Today worldwide chronic diseases are now the leading causes of death. Non-
communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension,
obesity, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and some types of cancer-are
increasingly significant causes of disability and premature death in both
developing and newly developed countries, placing additional burden on
already overtaxed national health budget.

There is overwhelming scientific evidence highlighting the health, social and


psychological benefits associated with an active lifestyle. However, physical
activity remains the most underutilized low-cost health resource in the world.
Increased exposure to western lifestyle and eating habits which are
characteristics of urban environment and decreased participation in physical
activity are contributing factors to increase in health problems. Also, there has
been a shift away from traditional diets to high density diets with high levels of
fats, sugar, and salts. Although under nutrition and food shortages are still major
problems in Africa, Nigeria in particular, diet related chronic diseases are on the
increase.

One cannot expect the human body to function optimally and to remain healthy
for extended periods if the body is abused or not use as intended. Individuals
who do not exercise regularly have a greater risk of developing hypokinetic
diseases, such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, cancer, obesity
musculoskeletal disorders. Although exercise is only one important factor
associate with reduced risk of hypokinetic disease and condition, nutrition,
smoking, lifestyle, hereditary, stress, age and environment cannot be overlooked
as important risk factors. However, scientist and health fitness professionals
affirm that physical activity is the best defence against many diseases and
disorders. Studies have shown that physically active people have lower
incidence of myocardial infraction and mortality from coronary heart disease
(CHD) and tend to develop CHD at a later age compared to other sedentary
counterpart. An inverse relationship between blood pressure and physical
activity level in men and women has also been reported. Physical activity also
reduces ones risk of developing non-insulin, dependent diabetes mellitus
through association with weight loss.

Regular physical activity is linked to enhance health and to reduce chronic


disorders of negative physical activity lifestyle. The benefits of physical activity
include helping to build and maintain healthy bones and muscles, control body
weight, reduce body fat, reduce feeling of depression and anxiety and promote
psychological wellbeing. However, most people are not inclined to participation
in exercises. Children now have become less physically active in recent
decades, with children today expending approximately 600 kcal per day less
than their counterparts 50 years ago. Today's young people have many choices
for the use of their leisure time that discourage physical activity. Playing video
games, watching television and surfing the internet all take children's time away
from physical activity. The decrease in physical education classes in schools
also increases the prevalence of sedentary lifestyle among young people.

The poor physical fitness levels and rise in obesity have already become a
global concern. The U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and
Health highlights the health benefits of regular physical activity. The report also
stresses in the strongest terms that regular moderate physical activity can
substantially reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses like heart disease,
diabetes and high blood pressure. Likewise, regular physical activity can
improve emotional health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety and
by improving mood. As we enter the new century, the importance and value of
regular physical activity has been recognized as never before.

Accompanying this recognition is the awareness that childhood is the time to


begin the development of active and healthy lifestyles. Preventive strategies
also need to begin as early in life as possible. But children do not automatically
develop the skills, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that ad to regular and
enjoyable participation in health-enhancing physical activity. They must be
taught.

Since virtually all young people attend school, the school is the logical place for
the development of healthy exercise and lifestyle patterns. Since school physical
education programs have been acknowledged for decades as an integral
component of comprehensive school education, these existing programs can
play a valuable role in national physical activity promotion efforts. School
physical education programs offer many benefits: development of motor skills
needed for enjoyable and effective participation in physical activities;
promotion of physical fitness; increased energy expenditure; and promotion of
positive attitudes toward an active lifestyle. Evidence also exists that physical
education may enhance academic performance, self-concept, and mental health.

Changing lifestyles mean giving up bad habits. All lifestyle diseases are
preventable, but most are not curable. Exercising regularly, eating sensibly,
learning to relax, giving up smoking and alcohol, and spending more time with
family and friends are some of the simple things one could do to ward off
lifestyle diseases.

Common questions

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Physical activity is recognized as an underutilized health resource because, despite overwhelming evidence supporting its health, social, and psychological benefits, many individuals fail to engage in regular exercise . Benefits include reduced risks of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, along with improvements in psychological well-being through reduced anxiety and depression . Regular physical activity also enhances bone and muscle health, controls body weight, and promotes an overall healthier lifestyle, yet remains underpracticed .

The adoption of western lifestyles in developing countries has led to decreased physical activity levels and negative health outcomes. As urbanization and economic development rise, so does the prevalence of sedentary activities and high-calorie diets, replacing traditional ones . This has resulted in increased incidences of non-communicable diseases, such as obesity and heart diseases, mirroring patterns observed in developed countries . Consequently, developing nations face a dual burden of managing both undernutrition and diet-related chronic diseases .

To combat the increasing prevalence of lifestyle diseases, strategies should include promoting regular physical activity and healthier dietary habits, particularly through public health campaigns and policy adjustments to increase access to exercise facilities and healthier foods . Schools can play a critical role by implementing comprehensive physical education programs that educate and encourage students to adapt active lifestyles early on . Moreover, individuals should be urged to reduce sedentary time through gradual changes in daily habits, such as fostering community sports programs or encouraging active transportation methods .

A direct relationship exists where decreased levels of physical activity are associated with an increased incidence of type 2 diabetes, especially as obesity rates rise among children and adolescents . The increase in childhood obesity directly contributes to an epidemic of type 2 diabetes, a condition previously rare in younger populations . Regular physical activity can help mitigate this risk by promoting weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity .

While modern medical advances have significantly reduced mortality from infectious diseases and extended lifespans, the rise in physical inactivity poses a counterbalance by introducing hypokinetic diseases as new major public health challenges . Technology and sedentarism contribute to conditions like high blood pressure, obesity, and coronary heart disease, which were less prevalent in past eras where physical activity was inherent in daily life . Therefore, despite medical advancements, the lack of physical activity continues to threaten public health, suggesting that lifestyle changes are crucial to improve health outcomes sustainably .

The industrial revolution brought about significant urbanization and technological advancements, leading to a decrease in physical activity due to shifts towards sedentary occupations and increased reliance on mechanized processes . This reduction in physical activity levels has been linked to the rise of hypokinetic diseases such as coronary artery diseases, hypertension, and obesity, which are major causes of death and disability . The reduced physical demands of daily tasks further exacerbate this by allowing more time for sedentary leisure activities, contributing to a lifestyle disease epidemic .

The prevalence of sedentary activities among youth, such as excessive screen time through video games and internet surfing, impacts their long-term health prospects by increasing the risk of developing chronic conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases . Physical inactivity at a young age often carries into adulthood, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and promoting physical activity to prevent these adverse health outcomes from becoming entrenched .

The global shift from traditional diets to those rich in fats, sugar, and salts has paralleled advancements in industrialization, urbanization, and globalization . This dietary change has contributed to the global rise in obesity and overweight individuals, who then face increased risks of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers . These conditions have become leading causes of death and disability worldwide, imposing additional burdens on national health systems . Hence, the dietary transition is a significant factor in the projected rise of chronic diseases globally .

Research has demonstrated that childhood obesity often persists into adulthood, leading to increased risks for health conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, and diabetes . A notable statistic is that 60 percent of overweight children already experience hypertension and hyperlipidemia, diseases typically associated with adults . This persistence means that obese children are likely to become obese adults, thereby continuing to bear increased risks for these conditions .

School physical education programs are pivotal in promoting active and healthy lifestyles among children by developing motor skills, promoting physical fitness, increasing energy expenditure, and fostering positive attitudes towards physical activity . They also have been shown to support academic performance and mental health, thereby providing a holistic approach to child development . In an era where children are less active due to increased screen time and reduced physical education in schools, these programs are crucial to instill lifelong habits of physical activity .

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