We all know that smoking is incredibly harmful to our health. It damages nearly every organ in the body and increases the risk of developing serious diseases like cancer, heart disease, and lung conditions. But did you know there’s another common lifestyle habit that health experts warn is just as Smoking dangerous as smoking?

Dr. Stephen Williams, a cardiologist at NYU, has raised a red flag about the risks of a sedentary lifestyle—a way of living characterized by long periods of physical inactivity. It turns out, not moving enough can harm your health just as much as lighting up a cigarette.

Sedentary Lifestyle: The New Smoking

Dr. Williams has warned that a sedentary lifestyle is now considered “the new smoking.” While smoking remains a top health concern, sitting too much without enough physical activity is creeping up as a serious threat. In fact, it’s linked to a variety of chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, mental health issues, weight gain, and even cancer.

According to the British Heart Foundation, about 39% of UK adults fail to meet the recommended amount of physical activity. This lack of movement is taking a toll on public health, contributing to the rise in chronic conditions.

The Benefits of Staying Active

Regular movement is crucial for maintaining good health. It offers a wide range of benefits, including:

Improved heart health
Increased muscle strength
Better quality sleep
Enhanced mental wellbeing
Reduced risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease

Simply put, staying active keeps your body and mind in great shape. However, for many people, incorporating enough movement into their day proves difficult. This is where the problem lies—prolonged inactivity leads to serious health issues that can easily be avoided with regular physical activity.

Just Standing Isn’t Enough

Many people believe that standing at their desks instead of sitting is the solution to the problem. However, Dr. Williams warns that this isn’t enough. While standing might burn slightly more calories than sitting, it doesn’t qualify as physical activity.

“Standing all day isn’t the same as being active,” Dr. Williams says. “You may not be moving at a pace that fits the definition of ‘physical activity.'”

Biohacker and fitness expert Ben Greenfield adds that being sedentary for more than 60-90 minutes—whether sitting or standing—has negative health effects. The key is to keep moving.

The Solution: Small Changes That Make a Big Difference

So, what can you do to combat the dangers of being sedentary? Dr. Williams suggests it’s important to make physical activity a regular part of your day. And the best part is, you don’t need to train for a marathon or engage in intense exercise routines to stay healthy.

Dr. Williams recommends raising your heart rate for just 15 minutes, twice a day. This can be as simple as a brisk walk, light jogging, or any other activity that gets your blood pumping. The goal is to make sure you’re moving enough to benefit your heart and overall health.

Another simple tip is to stand up and move around every 30 minutes. Whether it’s a quick stretch or a short walk, getting up regularly can help prevent the harmful effects of sitting too long.

The Bottom Line

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us spend long hours sitting—whether at a desk, in front of the TV, or on our phones. However, the evidence is clear: being sedentary is as bad for your health as smoking. The good news is that we can take simple steps to improve our health by moving more throughout the day.

If you’re cleared by your doctor to exercise, try incorporating some activity into your daily routine. It doesn’t need to be intense, just consistent. Small changes like taking the stairs, walking more, or even standing up every half-hour can go a long way in boosting your health.

Remember, your body is meant to move. Don’t wait until it’s too late—make movement a priority today!