Less Sitting Time Sparks Energy and Wellness

Quick Smiles:

• Cutting daily sitting by 30 minutes boosts metabolic health.
• Even small increases in light activity benefit energy and flexibility.
• Positive changes were most noticeable in inactive adults.

Reducing your daily seated time by just half an hour can improve your body’s ability to use fats and carbohydrates for energy, leading to a boost in metabolism and overall wellness. A new study monitored 64 adults at risk for heart disease and diabetes, encouraging some to stand and move more during daily activities without starting intense exercise routines.

“A healthy body burns more fat at rest, but after meals and during high-intensity exercise, the main source of energy shifts to carbohydrates,” said Dr. Taru Garthwaite of the University of Turku, Finland.

Participants who reduced their couch time by at least 30 minutes a day saw better fat burning and improved metabolic flexibility, especially during light exercise. The benefits grew larger as individuals increased their standing and activity time throughout the day.

“Our results suggest encouragingly that reducing sedentary behavior and increasing even light daily physical activity – for example, standing up for a phone call or taking short walks – can support metabolic health and potentially help prevent lifestyle diseases in risk groups,” said Dr. Garthwaite.

Physically inactive people gained the most from this small change, but everyone can benefit. Adding more light movement to your day can make a real difference for your energy and health.

If this inspires you, why not share this tip for better wellness with friends and family?

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