Excessive lounging has been linked to an increased risk of larger waist circumference and cardiovascular disease, a finding underscored by a recent study from Finland.
For years, sedentary behavior has been viewed as a significant health threat. However, a recent study conducted by the UKK Institute in Finland offers a fresh perspective.
The UKK Institute, renowned for its research in sports medicine, has unveiled findings that challenge longstanding assumptions about sitting. According to the institute’s director, Tommi Vasankari, “For a long time, it was asserted that sitting is unequivocally harmful, while standing was hailed as beneficial. Our new research indicates that short bouts of sitting can have health benefits.”
This concept of “intermittent sitting” suggests that standing up for a brief walk every 20 to 30 minutes—even for something as simple as fetching a cup of coffee—can make a difference.
“Not all forms of sitting should be vilified as they have been in the past,” Vasankari stated.
The Perils of Lying Down
Conversely, the findings indicate that lying down and lounging during waking hours pose serious risks to heart health. In this context, “lying down” refers to a flat position, whereas “lounging” encompasses semi-reclined stances on sofas or easy chairs.
Interestingly, the study revealed that those who lounged or lay flat did not experience the heart health benefits that even individuals who sat for extended periods enjoyed. “No matter how you position yourself—whether lying flat or reclined— the impact on heart health is inevitably negative,” Vasankari noted.
The study focused on working-age individuals, who spent an alarming average of over an hour lying down and more than five hours lounging while awake.
The Benefits of Standing
Researchers found that excessive lounging was associated with larger waist circumferences and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, it correlated with elevated unhealthy fat levels and a reduction in healthy fat levels in the blood.
On the other hand, shorter bouts of sitting—approximately 30 minutes or less—paired with intermittent standing, were linked to improved heart health, including higher levels of beneficial cholesterol and slimmer waistlines. Vasankari explained, “Once you lift yourself off that chair, muscle activity kicks in, speeding up your metabolism—an undoubtedly positive outcome.”
Despite this, prolonged sitting beyond 20 minutes was still correlated with larger waistlines.
The UKK Institute’s insightful findings stem from a comprehensive examination involving over 4,000 Finns aged 20 to 69, assessing their physical activities, sedentary behaviors, and overall health between 2017 and 2022.