2. Reduces Cancer Risk

Lack of physical activity can increase one’s risk for various types of cancer. It is not clear as to why sitting appears to increase cancer risk, but it’s possible that sitting for long hours increases the level of C-reactive protein in people, which may be the reason behind it.

A 2015 study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention found that spending more leisure time sitting was associated with a higher risk of total cancer risk in women, and specifically with multiple myeloma, breast and ovarian cancers. The higher risk was present even after taking into account BMI, physical activity and other factors.

However, the study did not find any association between sitting time and cancer risk in men.

3. Ensures Longer Life

If you’re among those who sit for several hours at a stretch, standing more may help you live longer. Standing ensures that your body is involved in some kind of physical activity, which in turn reduces the risk of different types of diseases including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

A 2012 study published in Diabetologia found that sedentary time is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Moreover, the strength of the association is most consistent for diabetes.

Another 2012 study published in the BMJ Open found that by reducing sedentary behaviors, such as sitting and watching television, one can increase their life expectancy in the United States.

A 2016 analysis published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine examined 54 surveys on sitting time and found that sitting more than three hours per day was responsible for 3.8 percent of all-cause mortality (about 433,000 deaths in a year) among 54 countries.

Researchers concluded that reducing sitting time and promoting an active lifestyle can help stave off premature death.

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