How a sedentary lifestyle impacts your overall health and wellness

Did you know that according to the Obesity Medicine Association, a sedentary lifestyle, including physical inactivity and prolonged sitting, can lead to chronic disease and premature death? Dr. Alexander Shapsis, our Board-Certified gastroenterologist at Atlantic Gastroenterology of Brooklyn, New York, encourages his patients to be aware of their body mass index (BMI) and weight levels as they can significantly increase one’s risk of a host of chronic illnesses and complications.

What are the dangers of sitting for prolonged periods?

Many patients who visit Atlantic Gastroenterology have questions about how their sedentary lifestyle impacts their overall health. Adult men and women spend many of their careers at a computer and desk, sitting for most of their daytime shifts with regular physical inactivity. A vast array of complications and concerns can arise from such careers. Dr. Shapsis and the staff at Atlantic Gastroenterology strive to provide education on the dangers of prolonged sitting.

When individuals sit for extended periods of time, their risk of developing serious and chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity increases substantially. Even if you exercise regularly or are physically active in other ways, prolonged sitting can counterweight the benefits of physical activity. Increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels may be made even worse with poor and unhealthy eating. In fact, according to the WHO, a sedentary lifestyle can increase all primary causes of mortality, doubling the risk of common chronic diseases and illnesses that can put one’s life at risk!

Learn more about the pitfalls of a sedentary lifestyle

It’s vital that we get up and move, as physical inactivity can cause chronic disease and other complications when above one’s appropriate weight for their body frame. If you are interested in learning more about how a sedentary lifestyle can negatively impact your health, call Dr. Alexander Shapsis and his team at Atlantic Gastroenterology for a physical evaluation and recommendations for activity, diet, and self-care.

Call 718 521-2840 to request an appointment at one of our two locations, Ocean Parkway and Court Street.