There are several studies that affirm that practicing physical exercise produces changes at the brain level. Now, a recent study seems to indicate that a sedentary lifestyle also causes changes in the brain.
The physical inactivity and the sedentary lifestyle They are the most important risk factors for the development of different diseases. In Western societies, due to the increase in comforts at home, the increase in technology or long working hours in increasingly intellectual jobs, it has caused many people to wear a sedentary lifestyle which is harmful to health and well-being.
The data published by the WHO warn that at least 60% of the world’s population does not carry out the physical activity necessary to obtain health benefits A sedentary lifestyle is the fourth risk factor for mortality in the world, causing 6% of global deaths. Furthermore, in Spain there are 30% of sedentary people.
Sitting for more than 6 hours a day causes 30% of cardiovascular diseases, 23% of breast and colon cancer, and 27% of diabetes.
The negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle
Since the negative consequences of a sedentary lifestyle are many, below we show some of the most notable:
Brain changes caused by a sedentary lifestyle
Over the past few decades, researchers have studied the psychological benefits of exercising, and have concluded that exercising can improve our cognitive functions Regardless of age or physical condition, taking time to exercise also produces changes in the brain and many benefits for our mental well-being.
But a recent study affirms that not only practicing physical exercise causes changes in the brain, but that a sedentary lifestyle also produces brain changes: in this case, for the worse. A lifestyle characterized by physical inactivity can change the structure of neurons, negatively affecting an individual.
Studies with rats
The study, conducted by Wayne State University School of Medicine, was conducted with sedentary rats and normal rats. A dozen rats were used and separated into two groups. One group was forced to remain inactive while the other used wheels to run at will.
After 3 months, sedentary rats presented additional branches in neurons found in the rostral ventrolateral medulla, a portion of the brain stem that is responsible for controlling breathing and other non-conscious central activities of the body. The neurons in this area of the brain are involved in heart disease and hypertension, since control blood pressure through alteration in the constriction of blood vessels.
