Occupational sitting, lifestyle behaviours, and body mass index in middle-aged and older adults : findings from The 45 and Up Study

Sedentary behaviour is associated with a range of negative health outcomes including increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Work practices have become increasingly sedentary in recent decades, and occupational sitting contributes to around one-third of total sedentary time. This study aimed to examine the association between occupational sitting, lifestyle behaviours, and body mass index (BMI) in a cohort of middle-aged and older Australian adults. Although there were no key differences between occupational sitting and factors such as fruit and vegetable consumption, smoking or alcohol consumption, the findings suggest that sedentary workers should be encouraged to sit less and move more during the workday.