List date(s) this work was published or aired.
10-Jun-11
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
Most people realize that being a couch potato is an unhealthy behavior but they often just think that excess sitting makes them fat. Most people don’t realize that excess sitting is, in fact, potentially dangerous: risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and even mortality increase dramatically. And the obvious solution may not be a real solution: Many people believe that a workout can counteract the negative effects of a mostly inactive day. But that’s not what new research is revealing. Sitting for long periods of a time causes unique physiological changes that are linked to poor cholesterol, increased cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk, and even increased mortality risks. This feature delves into the mechanisms– why this happens and what you might do to prevent the damage incurred from too much sitting. (And no, working out 1 hour a day does not appear to negate the effects of sitting for most of your waking hours.)
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Original research studies from physiological and medical journals were used to understand and report on the mechanisms behind the atrophy that is incurred with excess sitting.
Explain types of human sources used.
Leading academic and medical experts in this new field of research (‘inactivity physiology’) were interviewed and their research was reviewed.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
No.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Often rodent studies are thought not to be directly applicable to reporting on human health conditions. In this case, the basic science was uncovered through some human rodent research to understand the underlying mechanisms. This was reported on, but was relevant to what happens in humans because the same enzymes are downregulated from excess sedentary behavior. Sometimes studies that are pure science (and not a clinical trial) are still helpful in understanding how humans are affected.