Cardiologist Warns About Growing Lifestyle Habit That’s ‘As Harmful As Smoking’

Every day, the choices we make—what we eat, how we spend our free time, and even how we get around—shape our health in significant ways. Most of us know that smoking is a no-brainer to avoid.

Lighting up regularly harms almost every part of your body and dramatically raises the odds of cancer, heart trouble, lung disease, and more. However, there’s another habit that’s quietly causing as much damage, and it doesn’t involve any tobacco at all.

It turns out that sitting, or otherwise staying still for long stretches, can be just as detrimental to your health as chain-smoking. NYU cardiologist Dr. Stephen Williams warns that a “sedentary lifestyle,” where you barely break a sweat all day, is quickly earning the nickname “the new smoking lifestyle.”

Simply swapping your chair for a standing desk isn’t going to fix the problem, either. Let’s examine what happens when we remain stationary.

When you don’t move, blood flow slows, muscles weaken, and your metabolism drags. Over time, you’re more likely to gain weight, see your blood sugar levels rise, and even face a higher risk of certain cancers.

Mental health can suffer too: sitting around is linked with increased anxiety and depression. Essentially, every hour you spend parked in one spot chips away at your body’s resilience.

NYU cardiologist Stephen Williams warns that a sedentary lifestyle can seriously harm your health.

In the UK, nearly 40 percent of adults fall short of the government’s activity guidelines, according to the British Heart Foundation. That’s a significant portion of the population at risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic issues.

Dr. Williams told the New York Post, “A sedentary lifestyle is now seen as the ‘new smoking lifestyle.’ It is that bad.” While standing up burns a few more calories than sitting, he makes it clear that it’s no substitute for real exercise.

“People come into the office and say they have an active life because they’re on their feet all day,” he said. “I’m not impressed. You may not be moving at a pace that fits the definition of ‘physical activity.’” He’s not alone in sounding the alarm.

Biohacker and fitness expert Ben Greenfield points out that the health risks of sitting still for more than an hour apply whether you’re sitting or standing. “The negative health consequences of being sedentary for more than 60–90 minutes apply to any position… including standing,” he explains.

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It’s been linked to several health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, weight gain, mental health issues, and even cancer.

So what can we do? First off, don’t assume that because you stand, you’re off the hook. Instead, aim to break up long periods of inactivity.

Every 30 minutes or so, get up and walk around, even if it’s just to refill your water bottle or take a quick lap around the office. Those little movement breaks add up.

Beyond that, Dr. Williams recommends getting your heart rate up for short bursts twice a day. “If you’ve been cleared by your physician to be active, it’s essential to have daily physical activity,” he says.

You don’t need to train for a marathon or sign up for a CrossFit competition. A brisk 15-minute walk, a few sets of jumping jacks, or even a dance-along to your favorite song will do the trick.

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Experts warn this common habit could be as harmful as smoking

Pick activities you actually enjoy. If running isn’t your thing, try cycling, swimming, or a quick bodyweight workout at home. Craving company? Join a recreational sports league or invite a friend on a hike. The goal is to move in ways that feel fun, not forced.

If you work at a desk, consider simple habits: take phone calls standing up, park a little farther from the office entrance, or set a timer on your phone to remind you to stretch your legs. Minor tweaks can increase your daily step count and prevent your body from settling into a slump.

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Dr. David Perlmutter, a renowned neurologist, emphasizes that prolonged sitting can lead to neurodegenerative diseases, similar to the risks associated with smoking. He states that our sedentary lifestyle contributes to inflammation and metabolic syndrome, which are precursors to serious health issues.

Perlmutter advocates for incorporating movement into daily routines, such as standing desks or short walking breaks every hour. This aligns with his philosophy that lifestyle choices profoundly impact brain health, and small adjustments can yield significant benefits.

The Importance of Movement

Dr. Neal Barnard, a physician and leading advocate for plant-based nutrition, highlights that sedentary behavior can exacerbate health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. He notes that moving our bodies regularly increases blood circulation and metabolic rate, acting as a natural counter to the adverse effects of sitting.

Barnard recommends practical approaches, such as setting reminders to stand up or engage in light exercise every hour. By making these small changes, individuals can significantly improve their overall health and reduce the risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle.

Staying active is simpler than you think. Just incorporate short bursts of movement into your daily routine—no fancy workouts are needed.

Make it as essential as brushing your teeth or checking email. We all know smoking is harmful; sitting all day is a health hazard.

Stand up every 30 minutes and fit in two quick exercise sessions daily to ditch the “new smoking” lifestyle and keep both your body and mind running smoothly.

Analysis & Recommendations

The consensus among health professionals is clear: prolonged sitting can have detrimental effects comparable to smoking. Experts like Dr. Perlmutter and Dr. Barnard encourage us to reassess our daily habits and prioritize movement. Incorporating simple strategies such as walking meetings, standing desks, or even stretch breaks can significantly enhance health outcomes.

As we strive for better health, it’s essential to recognize that every choice counts. Taking proactive steps to combat a sedentary lifestyle is crucial for long-term wellness and vitality.