The Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, has once again reminded Rwandans that spending long hours sitting without taking breaks can have serious health consequences, including death from non-communicable diseases.
In a message shared on the social media platform X, Minister Dr. Nsanzimana stated that sitting for more than six hours a day, even if followed by physical exercise, can have similar health effects to smoking. He noted that it increases the risk of heart disease by over 35%, blood clots by 14%, and death from non-communicable diseases by over 40%. He advised people whose jobs require long periods of sitting to stand up at least once every hour.
Global research conducted on over one million people has shown that prolonged sitting negatively affects the entire body, including the heart, brain, bones, and muscles. Specifically, blood vessels are damaged due to restricted blood flow, leading to the buildup of fat in the arteries, which can result in strokes or heart disease.
Extended sitting also increases the risk of various cancers such as lung, reproductive organ, breast, and cervical cancer. This is due to the body’s reduced fat-burning activity when not moving, which can cause abnormal cell growth and cancer development.
Another highlighted risk is the development of type 2 diabetes. When a person sits for long periods, the body doesn’t use enough energy, reducing the effectiveness of insulin in controlling blood sugar levels. This leads to elevated blood sugar, which can trigger diabetes.
Additionally, prolonged sitting affects bone and muscle function. Muscles in the hips and lower back weaken from inactivity, increasing the likelihood of injuries or chronic joint pain. It also leads to calcium loss, weakening the bones.
Studies also show that sitting for too long impacts the brain, particularly the medial temporal lobe, which is responsible for memory and processing sensory information. This may result in forgetfulness or cognitive difficulties.
Dr. Nsanzimana emphasized that such risks continue to threaten people’s health and lives, and recommended regular light physical activity, workplace adjustments, and early medical intervention as key preventive measures. He urged everyone to take steps to reduce the time spent sitting to promote a healthier life.
