MU study finds that sitting may increase risk ...(in most adults even if they do not exerc...)

The enzymes in blood vessels of muscles responsible for fat burning are shut off within hours of not standing, Hamilton said. Standing and moving lightly will re-engage the enzymes, but since people are awake 16 hours a day, it stands to reason that when people sit much of that time they are losing the opportunity for optimal metabolism throughout the day.

Hamilton hopes that creative strategies in homes, communities and workplaces can help solve the problem of inactivity. Some common non-exercise physical activities that people can do instead of sitting include performing household chores, shopping, typing while standing and even fidgeting while standing. Given the work of muscles necessary to hold the bodys weight upright, standing can double the metabolic rate. Hamilton believes that scientists and the public have underestimated common activities because they are intermittent and do not take as much effort as a heavy workout.

To hold a body that weighs 170 pounds upright takes a fair amount of energy from muscles, Hamilton said. You can appreciate that our legs are big and strong because they must be used all the time. There is a large amount of energy associated with standing every day that cant be easily compensated for by 30 to 60 minutes at the gym.

Only 28 percent of Americans are getting the minimal amount of recommended exercise. Hamilton predicts that eventually there will be health campaigns with doctors advocating limiting sitting time, just like they ask people to limit sun and second hand smoke exposure.

The purpose of medical research is to offer effective new strategies for people whom the existing therapies are not working, Hamilton said. Because our research reveals that too little exercise and excessive sitting do not change health by the same genes and biological mechanisms, it offers hope for people who either are not seeing results from exercis
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