What is a 'sedentary lifestyle'? Cardiologist warns that too much sitting may be as harmful as smoking

Dr. Stephen Williams, a cardiologist at NYU Langone, is issuing a stern warning: a sedentary lifestyle is just as dangerous as lighting up a cigarette. Many patients, he notes, come into his office boasting about how active they are, only to reveal that their version of “staying active” involves using a standing desk. But here’s the catch—standing still isn’t the same as moving. It still qualifies as a sedentary lifestyle, and the risks associated with it are staggering.

What is Sedentary Lifestyle?

A sedentary lifestyle is characterized by minimal physical movement and prolonged periods of sitting or lying down during daily activities. People who follow this lifestyle often spend hours engaged in activities such as watching television, using computers, playing video games, or scrolling through mobile phones, with little to no physical exercise. This lack of movement can lead to various health issues, including obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and other preventable conditions.

It is important to distinguish between sedentary behavior and physical inactivity—while the former refers to any activity performed in a seated or reclined position with minimal energy expenditure, the latter describes a lack of regular exercise or movement. Even individuals who engage in occasional workouts may still be considered sedentary if they spend a significant portion of their day sitting. Experts suggest that spending more than six hours daily in a sedentary state can negatively impact overall health, reinforcing the need for