Sedentary behavior refers to prolonged periods of sitting or physical inactivity during waking hours. While modern life makes sitting unavoidable for many people, growing evidence shows that extended sitting time is associated with meaningful health risks independent of regular exercise.
Sedentary behavior is defined as waking activity characterized by low energy expenditure while in a sitting, reclining, or lying posture. Common examples include desk work, prolonged screen time, commuting, and extended periods of seated leisure.
Importantly, sedentary behavior is not the same as a lack of exercise. An individual can meet recommended physical activity guidelines and still experience health risks if much of their day is spent sitting.
• Office and remote desk work
• Screen based leisure activities
• Long commutes and travel
• Classroom and educational settings
• Seated meetings and conferences
As work, education, and daily services become increasingly screen based, total daily sitting time has risen across nearly all age groups, contributing to higher overall sedentary behavior.
Research consistently links prolonged sitting with adverse health outcomes. These risks increase with total daily sedentary time and are amplified when sitting occurs in long, uninterrupted bouts throughout the day.
Crucially, these associations persist even among individuals who exercise regularly, highlighting the independent role of sedentary behavior in health outcomes.
Breaking up prolonged sitting with regular movement helps support circulation, joint health, metabolic function, and overall physical resilience across daily life.
Small, frequent changes such as standing, walking, or light movement —— can meaningfully reduce risk when sustained over time.
From a public-health perspective, reducing sedentary behavior represents a practical, accessible strategy that complements traditional exercise recommendations.
Breaking up prolonged sitting with regular movement helps support circulation, joint health, metabolic function, and overall physical resilience. Small, frequent changes — such as standing, walking, or light movement, can meaningfully reduce risk when sustained over time.
From a public-health perspective, reducing sedentary behavior represents a practical, accessible strategy that complements traditional exercise recommendations.
We are building resources and guidance to support healthier movement environments.
Contact NAASThe National Association Against Sitting is a public-health education nonprofit focused on reducing the negative health effects of prolonged sedentary behavior through research, education, and evidence-informed guidance.
