The European Heart Journal recently conducted a study that analyzed the posture and physical activity level of European citizens and how these factors affect one’s health and well-being.
The study found that those who stand more frequently have a smaller waistline and healthier hearts than those who remain seated for long periods of time.
Researchers analyzed the results of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which contained daily activity information for 4,757 people wearing accelerometers to measure their movement.
Though there was a wide range of activity levels from very active to mostly sedentary, even amongst those with sedentary lifestyles, people who took more breaks tended to have smaller waistlines.
According to the study, the 25 percent of people who took the most breaks from sitting per week had waists about 1.61 inches smaller on average than the 25 percent who took the least standing and stretching breaks per week.
Less fat around the waistline is not only beneficial for appearance purposes, abdominal fat has been linked with the development of heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. A 2011 study in the journal Obesity, found that a 1 cm increase in waist circumference was connected with premature death.
These diseases not only can lead to early death, but can also cause people to pay higher life insurance premiums or have difficulty finding a life insurance provider at all.
If you are seriously considering purchasing a life insurance policy, it is advisable to improve your health prior to applying for coverage. This will help you qualify for the best policy at your desired price point that will cover all of your insurance needs.
Also, keep in mind that life insurance rates are currently at an industry all-time low, which makes getting coverage even more affordable.