Sedentary Lifestyle Increases Risk of Serious Diseases

A sedentary lifestyle, characterised by minimal activity and low calorie expenditure, increases the risk of heart disease, cancer, and mental health problems, according to the Ministry of Health and WHO.

Oleh Sama News Agency
12 Agustus 2026
BPJS Health office building in Soreang branch with modern architecture featuring blue and white layered glass, with vehicles parked in front.
Illustration. BPJS Health Soreang Branch office, an Indonesian government health institution that manages social health insurance and provides information on disease prevention. (Foto: Ilham jayakesuma / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0))
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Indonesia's Ministry of Health defines a sedentary lifestyle as activity undertaken outside sleep time with calorie expenditure of less than 1.5 METs. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that a sedentary lifestyle is one of the common causes of death worldwide.

A sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of various serious diseases including heart disease, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, cancer, joint pain, and obesity. This condition can also trigger mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Reducing inactive time and increasing physical activity is considered important for improving the quality of life of the population.

Addressing a sedentary lifestyle can begin with simple steps at home, such as walking around the home environment every morning, doing regular stretches, or moving the body while watching television. Household activities such as sweeping and mopping are also included in physical activities that can help address this problem.

WHO recommends that adults engage in moderate-intensity aerobic activity for 150 to 300 minutes per week. Engaging in physical activity regularly can help maintain body health and reduce various disease risks.

Sedentary Lifestyle Increases Risk of Serious Diseases | Sama News Agency