Sedentary Behavior and the Risk Factor of Non - Communicable Diseases

Abstract

     Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the number one health problem around the world, including Thailand. There is also a tendency to increase in Thai people. Seven common non-communicable diseases include high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary artery disease, stroke, emphysema, cancer and obesity. The incidence of these diseases is not caused by infection. They are not transmitted from person to person by touching or breathing. Rather, they are caused by unhealthy lifestyles. The symptoms are gradually accumulated. These diseases progress slowly and gradually increase in severity. Non-communicable diseases are caused by habits or lifestyle behaviours. They cannot be spread from person to person. They are not communicable diseases. Therefore, it is important to change lifestyles as it can help reduce the risk factors of non-communicable diseases.

     From the current situation, people’s daily life is limited under the situation of Covid-19 pandemic. According to the enforcement of lockdown measures, working and life contexts have changed.  Technology is used for communication. Even people are in different areas, they can work together. This increases sedentary behaviours, causing people to have less physical activity. This is the starting factor that affects long-term health problems. Because of low body movement and the same or more food intake, the process of burning fat and sugar for energy decreases. Thus, body weight may increase. It affects the blood flow and may lose the strength of the muscles and bones from not moving the body as it should. This puts the body at risk of developing non-communicable diseases in the long run.  

     The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized this issue. As a result, it is recommended that adults between the ages of 18 and 64 years do moderate-intensity exercise for an average of 150 minutes per week, or at least 30 minutes per day, along with having a healthy diet and refraining from smoking to promote good health in the long term.