[State of knowledge on sedentary behaviors]

Presse Med. 2016 Mar;45(3):313-8. doi: 10.1016/j.lpm.2016.01.004. Epub 2016 Feb 5.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Sedentary behaviors refer to any waking activity characterized by an energy expenditure ≤ 1.5 metabolic equivalent and a sitting or lying posture. Recent epidemiological data reported that in North America and Europe, citizens spend between 8 and 11 hours sitting per day. Sedentary behaviors and physical activity can coexist in the same person. It is possible to spend a lot of time sitting each day while completing recommendations for regular physical activity. Adverse health effects of sedentary behaviors are in part independent of the physical activity level. The physiological implications associated with sedentary behaviors are mainly metabolic. Regulary interrupting the sedentary behavior has favorable effects on health, regardless the total time spent sitting. Many interventional perspectives for reducing sedentary behaviors in France can be envisaged. Some countries have already launched interesting large-scale prevention programs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Europe
  • Exercise
  • Habits
  • Health Promotion
  • Humans
  • Leisure Activities
  • Metabolic Diseases / epidemiology
  • Metabolic Diseases / etiology
  • Metabolic Diseases / prevention & control
  • Motor Activity
  • Obesity / epidemiology
  • Obesity / etiology
  • Obesity / prevention & control
  • Occupations
  • Sedentary Behavior*
  • United States