Combating a sedentary lifestyle: Interview with Professor René Baragou, Head of Cardiology at the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital Centre

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Extract from the article: Today, a sedentary lifestyle has become an integral part of people's daily lives, not only because of professional activities but also because of the preponderance of technological tools and the internet. We walk less and less, and this has repercuss

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« Sitting for more than 8 hours a day increases the risk of death by 34% »

Today, a sedentary lifestyle has become an integral part of people's daily lives, not only because of professional activities but also because of the preponderance of technological tools and the internet. We walk less and less, and this has repercussions for our health. The WHO considers a sedentary lifestyle to be a global public health problem. It is the 4th leading risk factor for mortality. What are the risks of a sedentary lifestyle? What can be done about it? Find out in this interview with Professor René Baragou, Head of Cardiology at the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital and President of the Togo Cardiology Society (SOCART).

Health-Education: What is a sedentary lifestyle?

Pr René Baragou: A sedentary lifestyle means sitting or lying down for at least 7 hours a day, not including sleep. These are situations where the skeletal muscles are at rest, with energy expenditure close to zero.A sedentary person is one who is physically active for less than 150 minutes a week, i.e. less than 30 minutes a day.

Does this lifestyle have an impact on health?

A sedentary lifestyle has a negative impact on health, as it increases the risk of mortality.Sitting for more than 8 hours a day increases the risk of death by 34%. A sedentary lifestyle doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease (high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, etc.).It increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, lipid disorders, osteoporosis, colon cancer, anxiety and depression.

Does being sporty mean you don't have a sedentary lifestyle?

You can be active in sport and have a sedentary lifestyle.That's the case, for example, of someone who works 8 hours a day on their computer and does regular exercise.This person is sporty but sedentary. To reduce or even eliminate the risk associated with a sedentary lifestyle, you need around 60 to 75 minutes a day of moderate-intensity physical activity. Even if you are physically active, you should avoid a sedentary lifestyle.Lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle also increase cardiovascular risk.

Is there a link between a sedentary lifestyle and pulmonary embolism?

A sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor for venous thrombosis and therefore pulmonary embolism. Sitting or lying down for long periods of time encourages stasis and the formation of blood clots in the legs.

Sometimes a sedentary lifestyle is associated with an unbalanced diet

A sedentary lifestyle can lead to an unbalanced diet and obesity, as it is often associated with nibbling on salty, sugary, fatty foods and sweet drinks.

Is there any way of preventing a sedentary lifestyle?

Yes, move around as much as possible.For example, answer phone calls standing up, park your car or motorbike away from your workplace, so you can walk.If the job allows it, work standing up whenever possible; take the stairs instead of the lift.If possible, avoid having certain equipment, such as printers, in your office, as this means you'll have to move around a lot.Take active breaks, i.e. walk for at least 5 minutes every hour when working sitting down.

What advice do you have for the general public?

Move as much as you can, as long as you can. Being active reduces the risk of mortality, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Exercise reduces anxiety and prevents depression. According to the current recommendations of the European Society of Cardiology and the WHO, people should do at least 150 minutes of physical activity or sport a week, or an average of at least 30 minutes a day.

Interview by Abel OZIH