If this study is right, too much sitting is a real problem for weight loss. I know you’re calling duh! on me, but it’s not just for the reason that you’d expect (all day sitting = negligible calorie burn). Apparently, sitting for 3-4 hours at a stretch may actually shut down your body’s ability to burn fat, so anything beyond what you can store in your muscles goes straight to the booty. (Well, actually, the article says it becomes the fat that squeezes your internal organs, which made me feel better, although I don’t think it should.)
I’m posting this article more because I find it interesting than because it’s alarming. Really, who cares? I didn’t think sitting was helping bring on the skinny anyway. And no way am I going to start standing to do my work. Anyway, I already get up at least once every hour or so to refill my water. (And, er, snack.)
Welcome to a site offering tools and support to help you cultivate and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. The flying trapeze stands for strength, equanimity, focus — the tools that allow us to do the seemingly impossible with graceful ease.
7 responses so far ↓
1 Yasmin // Dec 4, 2007 at 12:35 am
Very interesting! I find it amusing, though, that they are saying “yeah, sitting is bad, so you should get up and ‘putter’”. Hello, reality? I can’t get my work done while puttering! Does getting up to get water/coffee/etc. for 5 minutes count? I am confused!
2 Sara // Dec 4, 2007 at 12:40 am
that seems to be what they are saying. i’m going to go with that. :-)
3 Melissa H. // Dec 4, 2007 at 1:31 pm
I wouldn’t mind one of those little bikes they sell at Sharper Image to keep under my desk. I get soooo restless…and I admit, I focus much better after a walk or a trip to the bathroom/water cooler/get mail/coffee… ;)
4 JavaChick // Dec 4, 2007 at 1:51 pm
Interesting, makes sense. I wouldn’t say that I don’t care, but really, what are we supposed to do about it? My job revolves around using a computer, so I sit at a desk all day. I do get up probably once every hour to go to the washroom, get something to eat, etc, but is that enough? Somehow doesn’t seem like it would be.
5 Melissa H. // Dec 4, 2007 at 3:31 pm
I’ve always had computer jobs, too. But I know when I used to walk to the Metro in DC, and then to my office, that added at least 20 min. of walking each way to work…and now where I live, I drive. I try to walk at lunch but that doesn’t always happen–esp now that it’s freezing! I guess any extra fidgeting/activity helps. Thank gosh for daily gym-sessions, right?!
6 Sara // Dec 4, 2007 at 11:06 pm
I’m chained to the desk too. I actually think jumping up and being fidgety does make a difference - remember those studies like a year ago about how all that nervous activity ads up, and fidgeters tend to be thinner?
7 Melissa B // Dec 7, 2007 at 11:49 am
I wonder if sitting on one of those huge inflatable exercise balls would counteract this theory. I know your muscles have to be more engaged, and maybe the act of balancing causes a little movement. Of course, maybe I’m just looking for an excuse to fill my office with more ‘toys.’ I’m going to try it, AND I’m going to get up for water breaks. What’s not healthy about a water break anyway?
Leave a Comment