Even Sitting All Day... A 22-Minute Walk Cuts Mortality Risk Sharply

Helps with Weight Control, Blood Pressure Reduction, and Mental Health

A study has found that even a 22-minute walk a day can help maintain health.

A research team from the Norwegian Arctic University stated that walking for 22 minutes a day can eliminate the negative effects of sitting all day long.

The research team analyzed data from 11,989 people aged 50 and older from Norway, Sweden, and the United States. They had the participants wear activity trackers that could measure moderate physical activities (MPVA) such as walking, cleaning, and cycling.

Among the study participants, 5,943 people sat for 10.5 hours daily, while 6,042 sat for more than 10.5 hours. After tracking them for five years, 6.7% (805 people) died. Those who sat for more than 12 hours a day had a higher risk of death.

The research team said, "Even if you sit all day, engaging in about 22 minutes of physical activity lowers the overall risk of death," adding, "Moderate walks can help with weight control, blood pressure reduction, and mental health."

The study results were published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.