Prolonged sitting—more than 10.6 hours daily—significantly increases the risk of heart disease, even for individuals who exercise regularly, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 90,000 participants who wore accelerometers, revealing a strong association between excessive sedentary time and cardiovascular conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. While exercise is beneficial, it does not entirely counteract the adverse effects of extended sitting. The findings emphasize the need for integrating movement throughout the day, with researchers recommending frequent breaks to stimulate muscles and regulate blood sugar and fat levels.

Although the study highlights critical health risks of sitting, it has limitations, such as its observational nature and lack of demographic diversity due to reliance on UK Biobank data. Experts, however, agree on the importance of reducing sedentary time by incorporating simple, consistent movement strategies, such as walking for a few minutes every half hour or conducting meetings on the go. Tools like treadmill desks or periodic movement breaks can mitigate the harmful effects of sitting. While exercise alone cannot neutralize these risks, it remains crucial for overall health and is far better than a completely sedentary lifestyle.