Contrary to popular belief, young people spend just as much time sitting down as their elders. In fact, according to US research published in the journal PLOS One, millennials now spend more than 60 hours per week sitting.
This sedentary lifestyle could increase their risk of heart disease and accelerate other signs of ageing, scientists say.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of California Riverside came to this conclusion after studying data involving over 1,000 young adults aged between 28 and 49. These participants sat for an average of almost nine hours a day, although some were more sedentary than others, with some spending up to 16 hours a day in a seated position.
The adults reported doing between 80 and 160 minutes of moderate physical activity per week on average, and less than 135 minutes of vigorous exercise per week – a fairly active lifestyle.
Even so, sitting for hours on end exposes them to the health risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle, the experts said.
Notably, young adults who sit for 8.5 hours a day could have a moderate to high risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease, even if they follow recommended physical activity guidelines.
The researchers also found that time spent sitting had an impact on the cholesterol levels and body mass index of the participants, no matter how sporty they were in their free time.
“Taking a quick walk after work may not be enough to buffer these impacts,” said study co-author Chandra Reynolds.
High-intensity exercise is far more effective in counteracting the damaging effects of a sedentary lifestyle on the body. Indeed, the researchers found that young adults who engaged in high-intensity activities such as running or cycling for 30 minutes a day were metabolically younger than their peers of the same age.
However, it’s not enough to work out more to combat a sedentary lifestyle: it’s especially crucial to break up prolonged periods of sitting. That’s why it’s so important to vary your work positions, by walking while making calls, for example, or using a standing desk.
Of course, it all depends on individual capabilities and the nature of your work, but the key thing is to find ways to integrate new, more active behaviours into your daily life, whatever your age.
“Young adults tend to think they are impervious to the impacts of ageing. They figure, ‘My metabolism is great, I don’t have to worry until I’m in my 50s or 60s’,” said study co-author Ryan Bruellman.
“But what you do during this critical time of life matters.”