Have you heard? Sitting is the new smoking. According to new research, sitting and sedentary lifestyles account for 5 millions deaths per year. The World Health Organization (WHO) tallies smoking deaths at 6 million a year.

Wow, 5 million deaths attributed to sitting! That’s a whole lot of couches and easy chairs…makes you want to go take a walk, right now – doesn’t it?

A large study of one million people concluded that physical inactivity costs the global economy $67.5 billion a year in healthcare and productivity losses. However, just one hour of exercise, such as brisk walking, a day could eliminate it. 

Sedentary lifestyles are linked to increased diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancer and is a huge cause of premature death.

Those who sat for long periods of time and did not exercise were of the greatest risk of premature death.

Researchers found that walking could counter the effects of sitting for eight or more hours a day. They also warned that there has been too little progress in solving the “pandemic of physical inactivity.”

WHO recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week and a quarter of adults worldwide do not even meet those recommendations, which some experts say isn’t enough.

One hour a day is all you need according to researchers. You don’t need a gym or particular sport. Walk as much and as often as possible, at a brisk pace to ensure your heart rate is elevated but still able to carry on a conversation.