High technology leads to low physical activity, contributes to obesity
The headline said it all: 'Sitting: A Spreading Occupational Hazard.'
The article, which appeared recently in The Baltimore (Maryland) Sun, noted the deleterious effect that technology is having on the state of Americans' health. In the workplace, computers, e-mail, conference calls, etc., have made it possible to put in a full day of work virtually without moving, making obesity an occupational hazard for sedentary employees, from secretaries to CEOs.
'There's a huge decrease in metabolism that you get when you're just sitting at your desk all the time,' observed Scott Collier, an instructor in the exercise science department at Syracuse University, in Syracuse, New York.
The Sun reported that, on average, Americans expend 200-300 fewer calories per day then they did 25 years ago, which means that, unless individuals reduce their caloric intake by an equivalent amount, they'll gain an additional two pounds of weight per month. In fact, however, people are tending to consume more-rather than fewer-calories each year. The result: nearly two-thirds of Americans are now overweight, and approximately 31 percent are obese.
The tendency to spend more time sitting has also led to an increase in teenage obesity. The Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine recently identified lack of physical activity as the most significant risk factor for obesity in 11-15-year-olds. 'Daily activities, such as walking to school, physical education classes, after-school activities, chores, and general playing, have been replaced with a sedentary lifestyle (pursued) in front of the TV, computer, or video games,' observed Ken Germano, the president of the American Council on Exercise (ACE). 'This study highlights the need for effective physical activity programs targeted at young people.'
Germano also called for parents to embrace a healthy lifestyle to set a good example for their children. 'It's important for us to continually teach our kids to lead healthy and active lives...so they can avoid serious health problems in the future,' he suggested.
