Discuss how our biological processes begin to change because of extended periods of sitting.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer may vary.Our bodies are simply not designed for extended periods of sitting. As we sink into inactivity, our biological processes begin to change, down to a cellular and molecular level. Researchers are only beginning to understand all the factors at work, but studies show, for example, that blood flow becomes sluggish and is more likely to form life-threatening clots in the lungs and legs. Arteries lose flexibility and have a lower capacity to expand and relax. Slower blood flow means less oxygen and glucose delivered to the brain and body and, as a result, cognitive function declines and the feeling of fatigue increases. Additionally, during extended sitting, fat deposits accumulate in muscle cells, which interferes with insulin's ability to transport glucose into muscle cells. Thus, insulin resistance increases along with the accompanying risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The level of triglycerides in the blood jumps during inactivity, because inactive muscles stop producing an enzyme that usually captures these fats from the blood in order to turn them into fuel. Even HDL cholesterol levels (the good cholesterol) drop by 20 percent after as little as 1 hour of uninterrupted sitting. Inactivity also appears to switch on or off dozens of genes that trigger additional risk factors.