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An Evolutionary Perspective on Sedentary Behavior.

John R Speakman1,2,3

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100100, China.

Bioessays : News and Reviews in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology
|December 13, 2019
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Sedentary behavior is an evolutionary adaptation to reduce physical activity, hardwired by genes. Modern environments facilitate this, making sedentary habits common and difficult to reverse.

Keywords:
evolutiongeneticsinternet of thingsphysical inactivitysedentary behaviorsmart technology

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Human physiology
  • Behavioral science

Background:

  • Physical activity offers numerous health benefits, yet sedentary lifestyles are prevalent.
  • Understanding the evolutionary roots of sedentary behavior is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the evolutionary basis of sedentary behavior.
  • To explain the genetic predisposition towards reduced physical activity.

Main Methods:

  • Theoretical analysis of evolutionary pressures on human activity levels.
  • Examination of hunter-gatherer subsistence strategies and activity patterns.
  • Assessment of modern societal influences on physical activity.

Main Results:

  • Sedentary behavior is proposed as an evolved trait to minimize risks associated with high physical activity in ancestral environments.
  • Hunter-gatherer populations maintained necessary activity levels for survival, preventing the evolution of mechanisms to cope with prolonged inactivity.
  • Modern society's infrastructure and food availability decouple activity from survival needs, favoring sedentary choices.

Conclusions:

  • Genetic factors promoting activity efficiency and sedentariness were not selected against during human evolution.
  • The prevalence of sedentary behavior is rooted in our genetic makeup, influenced by environmental shifts.
  • While technology may offer activity incentives, it could introduce new health challenges.