Lajmet e fundit
A Finnish study of over 4,000 adults found that prolonged lying down is linked to larger waistlines and higher cardiovascular risk, while short, intermittent sitting improves metabolism and heart health.
A new Finnish study has discovered that spending a lot of time lying down or resting during the day can be more harmful to health than sitting.
The study, conducted by the UKK Institute, examined activity patterns, physical fitness, and health of more than 4,000 Finns aged 20 to 69 between 2017‑2019 and 2021‑2022.
It found that people who spent more hours lying down were more likely to have a larger waist circumference and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
“Previously, it was unequivocally said that sitting was harmful and that standing could be beneficial for people’s health.
The new study shows that sitting for short periods can actually be beneficial for health,” said Tommi Vasankari, director of the UKK Institute.
The study distinguished between different sitting habits, noting that intermittent sitting—where people stand up every 20 to 30 minutes, even just for a coffee—can improve metabolism and heart health.
“All forms of sitting should not be demonized as they have been in the past,” Vasankari said.
However, the findings did not show similar benefits for those who lay down or rested, even if they did so regularly.
“Regardless of the position you take when lying down or reclining, it always has a detrimental effect on heart health,” he added.
Researchers concluded that short periods of sitting combined with occasional standing promoted better cholesterol levels and a slimmer waist, whereas excessive resting led to unfavorable fat levels and a slower metabolism.
