The CDC estimates the prevalence in adults of inactivity outside of work as greater than 25% 1 Furthermore, the American Heart Association (AHA) reports that only 1 in 5 adults are achieving the recommended 150 minutes of vigorous exercise per week, increasing their risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, colon and lung cancers, and early death2. A sedentary off-work lifestyle is only compounded by the frequently sedentary work environment for many office workers. Long commutes behind the steering wheel are just the icing on the cake. A Mayo Clinic article describes findings from several large studies that suggested, “…people who sat for more than eight hours a day with no physical activity had a risk of dying similar to the risk posed by obesity and smoking. But 60 to 75 minutes of moderate aerobic physical activity a day offset the effects of too much sitting3.”
An article from almost a decade ago recognized the impacts of this sedentary trend, with the attention-grabbing title, “Sitting is the new smoking…”4 This article describes the supposed confusion an alien visitor to our planet might experience when trying to comprehend out sedentary lifestyle. Recognizing that physicians are sometimes among the most sedentary of workers, while we simultaneously recommend daily exercise to our patients, the authors recommend potential solutions including standing or treadmill desks, and taking short breaks to get up and walk periodically.
As we promote Men’s Health Month throughout June, exercise should be on the list of highlighted interventions. Early summer weather is often perfect for a short (or long) bike ride, run, swim, etc. Preventive Medicine colleagues, let’s use this Men’s Health Month to encourage your patients, your family and friends to Get Up and Move!
Exercise Benefits 5:
- Lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, dementia and Alzheimer’s, several types of cancer, and some complications of pregnancy
- Better sleep, including improvements in insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea
- Improved cognition, including memory, attention and processing speed
- Less weight gain, obesity and related chronic health conditions
- Better bone health and balance, with less risk of injury from falls
- Fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Better quality of life and sense of overall well-being
Vice Chair, ACPM Sicence and Translation Committee
- https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity/php/data/inactivity-maps.html, Accessed 7 June 2025.
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults, Accessed 7 June 2025.
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/sitting/faq-20058005, Accessed 7 June 2025.
- Baddeley B, Sornalingam S, Cooper M. Sitting is the new smoking: where do we stand? Br J Gen Pract. 2016 May;66(646):258. doi: 10.3399/bjgp16X685009. PMID: 27127279; PMCID: PMC4838429.
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults, Accessed 7 June 2025.