Sitting all day at work? Nutritionist warns inflammation risk but simple habits can help

As busy professionals, we often spend most of our time sitting at our desks at work. Even after going home, we tend to spend hours scrolling through our cellphones in bed, feeling lazy or exhausted. Although the habit might feel harmless at first glance, little to no movement can quietly take a toll on your health. A sedentary routine is the primary cause of slow metabolism, increasing the risk of weight gain, poor posture and fatigue. Over time, it can cause heart disease and other lifestyle-related problems.

Simple movement habits can transform health

Nutritionist Anjali Mukerjee has now shed light on the matter in her latest Instagram post. She revealed that prolonged inactivity can give rise to inflammation as your body's circulation slows down and metabolic waste begins to accumulate. She revealed that over time, ignorance of such signals can create a low-grade inflammatory state in the form of low energy, stiff joints, weight gain, mood swings and poor digestion.


The health expert revealed that regular movement is essential for holistic wellness and the sooner we adopt it in our lives, the better it is. Some benefits of consistent physical activity include regulated blood sugar levels and better blood circulation, leading to reduced inflammatory markers. As per Anjali Mukerji, regular movement might not be about straining yourself into doing intense and challenging workouts. It can be as simple as walking, doing yoga or stretching, which can significantly make a difference.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Anjali Mukerjee (@anjalimukerjee)

Mini workouts help stay fit daily

A similar idea was proposed by Apollo neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar in Hyderabad, who has been trained at CMC Vellore. In a past Instagram post, the doctor acknowledged the problem of skipping exercises due to a packed schedule, although necessary. However, he shared some good news that would benefit professionals with demanding schedules. Dr. Sudhir talked about a special type of activity known as ‘exercise snacks’, which he claimed could be helpful in keeping your heart, brain, and body in great shape without taking hours out of your day.

Dr. Sudhir Kumar explained that ‘exercise snacks’ refer to mini workouts that can be done multiple times in a day for a few minutes, without the need for any special equipment. These activities include a brisk three-minute walk after meals, using stairs instead of elevators, performing 10 squats or push-ups, stretching for a minute every hour, or jogging in one place for a couple of minutes. The doctor assured that these workouts boost cardiovascular fitness, control blood sugar and reduce the risk of stroke, diabetes and other health problems.