Many American adults and adults in other parts of the world are physically inactive. That’s the takeaway from two separate studies, the first of which comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It revealed that 1 in 5 American adults lead a sedentary lifestyle. The second study, published by the World Health Organization (WHO), found that 60% to 85% of the global population is doing the same. Based on these findings, the organization rightfully classified physical inactivity as one of the most troubling and inadequately addressed public health problems in modern times. For some people, chronic health problems, such as chronic pain, lung disease, and arthritis, are behind their physical inactivity. For others, it’s a matter of wanton laziness. And for a growing majority, the workplace is to blame.
Studies Show Sedentary Jobs Are Becoming Increasingly Prevalent
Whether it be coding, data entry, graphic design, or something else, more and more Americans are spending their workdays seated at desks. That’s according to study data published by the American Heart Association. It shows that the number of sedentary jobs across the United States increased by more than 83% since 1950. While a sedentary job might sound like a comfortable way to work, it’s probably not the best way to spend one’s workday. According to Erin Michos, an esteemed cardiologist with Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the associate director of preventive cardiology at the Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease, remaining seated at work for long periods can have significant health consequences.
The Price of Physical Inactivity
The health risks associated with being physically inactive are many. Studies from Johns Hopkins Medicine show that long-term physical inactivity can contribute to the following:
- An increased risk of developing certain cancers
- Anxiety and depression
- High blood pressure
- Joint problems
- Poor posture and back pain
- Type 2 diabetes
- Weight gain
Along with these various health problems, a study from the Mayo Clinic shows that physical inactivity can negatively affect bone health and increase the risk of osteoporosis. For those unfamiliar with what it means to be physically inactive, the World Health Organization defines physical inactivity as failing to accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity, 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of the two each week.
How a Sedentary Job Can Impact Heart Health
Physical inactivity from spending most of the day working a sedentary job can adversely affect many aspects of someone’s health. But the impact it can have on heart health is especially concerning. One study from the British Heart Foundation (BHF) found that long-term physical activity can trigger a build-up of fatty material in the arteries, the blood vessels responsible for carrying blood to the heart, brain, and other organs. If the arteries that carry blood to the heart get damaged and clogged due to a build-up of fatty material, it can increase the risk of a heart attack. If the same happens to the arteries that carry blood to the brain, it can cause a stroke. Being physically active can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular and even circulatory diseases by as much as 35%.
Hormonal Imbalances and Sedentary Jobs: What More People Need To Know
Physical inactivity can give rise to a hormonal imbalance. According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), physical inactivity can reduce the amount of human growth hormones in someone’s blood over time. For those unaware, human growth hormones are peptide hormones secreted by the pituitary gland within the endocrine system. They play a critical role in numerous bodily functions, including cell reproduction, cell regeneration, and modulating growth during childhood and adolescence. HGH also helps regulate the following:
- Body composition
- Body fluids
- Fat and sugar metabolism
- Heart function
Without physical activity, the pituitary gland secretes less HGH, which can be exacerbated by aging, histiocytosis, brain tumors, and other health conditions that adversely affect HGH levels in the blood. When someone’s HGH levels fall too low, they can experience a barrage of unpleasant symptoms. Some of the more commonly reported ones include weight gain, reduced strength and muscle mass, weakened cognitive function, and decreased sexual function and desire. Fortunately, there are several ways to boost low HGH levels.
How To Boost Low HGH Levels
Getting plenty of sleep, staying hydrated, consuming a healthy, well-balanced diet, and achieving and maintaining a healthy weight are proven ways to boost low HGH levels naturally. Finding ways to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses can also help. For those with an extreme HGH deficiency, medicinal treatments might be in order. For most people, that means undergoing hormonal replacement therapy (HRT), which involves taking an FDA-approved injectable medication that triggers the pituitary gland to produce more HGH. Examples of these drugs include the following:
- Humatrope
- Norditropin
- Nutropin
- Protropin
- Saizen
- Serostim
- Sogroya
- Zomacton
How Expensive Is HGH Treatment? HRT to boost low HGH levels can be costly. According to GoodRx, a website and mobile app that provides discounts on prescription drug prices, prescription-based HGH medications to boost low HGH levels start as low as $564 and go as high as $3,277. It is worth noting that Medicare and many private health insurance providers will cover some of the cost of these drugs if someone has been formally diagnosed with an HGH deficiency.
In summary, a sedentary job, especially if someone also leads a sedentary lifestyle overall, can open the door to many health problems, including hormonal imbalances. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms detailed in this article, consider scheduling an appointment with a physician as soon as possible.
