What is sedentary behaviour?

The first in a series of three fact sheets exploring the relatively new research area, this fact sheet gives practitioners an introduction to sedentary behaviour and its effect on health across population groups.

• definition of sedentary behaviour with examples
• health outcomes of sedentary behaviour in adults and children
• developing negative habits of sedentary behaviour over time.

For the first time, sedentary behaviour guidelines were included for all four home countries when the 2011 UK physical activity guidelines were released. This fact sheet outlines the importance of considering sedentary behaviour as a separate challenge to physical activity.

Other sedentary behaviour fact sheets are also available covering factors influencing sedentary behaviour and current levels.

Download: What is sedentary behaviour?