Sedentary Behavior, Chronic Diseases, and COVID-19

Abstract

Sedentary behavior refers to any waking behavior, such as using an electronic device, reading a book, or sitting in a car,with an energy expenditure of 1.5 metabolic equivalent for thetask or less, while in a sitting, reclining, or lying position.1) Sedentarybehavior is distinct from physical inactivity, which isdefined as an insufficient level of physical activity to meetpresent recommendations.2) Individuals who are consideredphysically active under current guidelines may spend most oftheir waking time in sedentary behaviors.3) Prolonged, uninterruptedsedentary behavior is a modifiable risk factor forchronic diseases independent of physical activity level.4) TheWorld Health Organization presented moderate evidence thata high level of sedentary behavior is associated with an increasedrisk of mortality from all causes, cardiovascular disease(CVD), and cancer, and the incidence of type 2 diabetes,CVD, and cancer.5) In the present issue, Concha and Mendoza6)reported that sedentary behavior was associated with thedevelopment of chronic kidney disease in most of the studiesincluded in their systematic review