Deskwork worsens health problems

A significant change in how Americans make a living is also giving rise to a serious health crisis. As more Americans shift to a service economy and spend a major part of their work day sitting in front of a computer (including attending virtual meetings, collaborating online, sending stuff, etc.) without even seeing the need to get up a hand over a "file" to a colleague, they are accumulating a potentially dangerous form of fat .

According to a paper published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, visceral fat, which builds up around organs inside the belly, is different from common perceptions of “fat” because it is less easy to see than subcutaneous fat, located just under the skin. That is why people may have higher amount of fat in the body without them feeling or looking obese or overweight.

While Japanese used to dominate the number of hourse spent in the office, that dubious distinction is now held by Americans. With falling incomes, rising debt levels, and literally no job security, Americans are trying to hold on to their jobs by spending more time in the office.

How can you maintain a healthier lifestyle?

1. Every hour that you work, take a 5-10 minutes break. Take a walk to the kitchen to drink water, or use the rest room, or just visit a colleague (if possible, make it a rule not to call a colleague in the same building).
2. Park your car as far as you can. Take a few flights of stairs.
3. There is no substitute for regular physical exercise several times a week. It does not have to be a trip to the gym. Even helping around the house or working in the yard or just playing with the kids in the backyard are great ways to get some physical exercise.

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