A new Washington University study shows that Americans are getting more sedentary, with increased computer use at least partially responsible for the spike in inactivity.
Between 2007 and 2016, average daily sitting time increased by roughly an hour, to about eight hours for U.S. teens and almost six-and-a-half hours for adults, with at least half of all Americans spending an hour or more of leisure time daily in front of a computer.
As the AP notes, studies have shown that prolonged periods of sitting can increase risks for obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.
Meanwhile, U.S. activity guidelines released last fall say adults need at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity each week–things like brisk walking, jogging, biking, or tennis.
