Sedentary behavior: understanding and influencing adults' prolonged sitting time

Prev Med. 2012 Dec;55(6):535-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2012.08.024. Epub 2012 Sep 8.

Abstract

Too much sitting is now understood to be a health risk that is additional to, and distinct from, too little exercise. There is a rapidly-accumulating evidence on relationships of prolonged sedentary time and patterns of sedentary time with cardio-metabolic risk biomarkers and health outcomes. There is, however, the need to gather dose-response evidence and develop a broader understanding of the set of mechanisms linking sedentary behavior to health outcomes. In addition to the further understanding of the associated health risks, there is a new health-behavior, and epidemiological and experimental research agenda to be pursued, which include measurement studies; understanding the relevant determinants-particularly environmental determinants of sedentary behavior; and, developing effective interventions. A broad-based body of evidence is needed to inform the research-translation agenda-identifying and developing the future public health initiatives, environmental and policy changes and clinical guidelines that may be required.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena*
  • Humans
  • Posture
  • Risk Factors
  • Sedentary Behavior*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Biomarkers