Sedentary lifestyle
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{{for|anthropology|sedentism}}
'''Sedentary lifestyle''' is a [[medical terminology|medical]] [[neologism]] used to denote a type of [[lifestyle]] most commonly found in modern (particularly [[Western culture|Western]]) cultures. It is characterized by [[sitting]] or remaining inactive for most of the day (for example, in an [[office]]), with little or no exercise. It is believed to be a factor in [[obesity]], and, as such, may contribute to other diseases, such as [[Diabetes mellitus type 2|type II diabetes]], [[heart disease]], [[Clinical depression|depression]] and even [[hemorrhoids]]. Lack of exercise causes [[muscle atrophy]], i.e. shrinking and weakening of the muscles and accordingly increases susceptibility to physical injury. Additionally, [[Physical fitness]] is correlated with immune system function; a reduction in physical fitness is generally accompanied by a weakening of the immune system.
Despite the well-known benefits of physical activity, many adults and many children lead a relatively sedentary lifestyle and are not active enough to achieve these health benefits. A sedentary lifestyle is defined as engaging in no leisure-time physical activity (exercises, sports, physically active hobbies) in a two-week period.{{Fact|date=March 2008}}
Data from the National Health Interview Survey shows that in 1997-98 nearly four in 10 (38.3 percent) adults reported no participation in leisure-time physical activity. This study does not include any measure of physical activity that is performed as a job related duty so does not encompass the full range of possible exercise that adults may be getting.{{Fact|date=March 2008}}
[[Category:Health risks]]
[[Category:Obesity]]
[[Category:Medical terms]]
{{Health-stub}}
[[es:Sedentarismo físico]]
[[fr:Mode de vie sédentaire]]
[[nl:Sedentarisatie]]
[[ta:அமர்ந்தியங்கும் வாழ்முறை]]