Weight Gain & Backache – Is Your Office Chair Responsible For Your Troubles?

Posted on: Apr 9, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Weight Gain & Backache – Is Your Office Chair Responsible For Your Troubles?

office chair ergonomics: 5 Tips to Improve Health

Did you know sitting for long hours on your office chair at work can shorten your life? It is a gloomy fact, to begin with, but the health concerns that come with a desk job should not be ignored.

A recent study published in the JAMA Network Open journal found that individuals who sit for prolonged hours at their desks are at a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and early death.

An office chair is an unassuming piece of furniture. However, sitting on the wrong type of chair can lead to back pain, joint issues, tiredness, and weight gain.

Sitting for long hours can lead to a sedentary lifestyle. Such a lifestyle introduces additional health risks, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart issues. This is why you should consider buying health insurance at an early age with coverage for sedentary lifestyle diseases.

The article will explore how office chairs harm your health and how you can fix the issue.

Office Chairs and Their Impact on Your Health

Here is how uncomfortable office chairs can negatively impact your health.

• Back and Neck Pain

Sitting in a chair with little to no support can lead to back and neck pain. Poor posture can increase the stress on your spine. Even if you have a comfortable chair, sitting for long hours is not good for your back.

• Shoulder, Hand and Wrist Pain

If the height of your chair and desk are not aligned, it can lead to shoulder, hand and wrist pain. Prolonged use of devices like the mouse and keyboard can further worsen these pain areas.

• Decreased Concentration and Tiredness

Aches and pain can make you restless and tired. It can affect your work productivity. Lack of physical activity can impair your mood. In extreme cases, it can lead to anxiety and depression.

• Weight Gain

If you do not get up and move around, eat lunch at your desk, and spend hours looking at screens, you may gain weight. Men can start storing fat around their stomachs, while women can store it around their hips and thighs. You must consider buying a health insurance early as it may help manage the risks of a sedentary lifestyle later.

• Cardiovascular Issues

If we look at the study mentioned at the start, individuals who sit for prolonged hours are at a 34% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases. Factors like unhealthy diet, inactivity and smoking can further increase the risk of heart issues.

5 Tips to Improve Your Desk Job Experience

The good news is that you can mitigate the risks associated with sitting on office chairs for a long time. Here is how you can take care of your health while working at a desk job.

• Invest in a Comfortable Office Chair

Invest in an office chair customised to your needs if you work from home.

For example, there must be a minimum of 0.5-inch gap between the back of your knees and the edge of the seat. This will provide optimal lumbar support. The seat should be height-adjustable. The backrest should be able to recline to support different back positions.

If you work from the office, invest in seats and lumbar support cushions to make the chair more comfortable.

• Look for Ergonomic Furniture and Devices

Your elbows should sit on the desk at a 90° angle. If possible, adjust the desk or seat height accordingly. If not, use seat cushions or pillows.

Place your keyboard and mouse closer to the front side of the desk. This way, you do not have to stretch and stress your muscles. You can try using an ergonomic mouse that places your wrist in a neutral position.

• Get Up and Move Around During Work Hours

You can have the best desk setup, but you must still get up once every hour and move around. Do simple stretches or take a 5-minute walk.

Periodically, getting up from your seat and moving can help reduce muscle stiffness and improve blood circulation.

• Stay Hydrated

Keep a water bottle on your desk so you have easy access to water. Drinking enough water throughout the day can fight tiredness, increase energy, and help you concentrate better.

• Stretch and Exercise

Staying active with 15 to 30 minutes of exercise daily can help manage the health risks of sitting for long hours. Stretching sessions can boost blood flow, soothe aching muscles and improve overall flexibility.

Choose a simple exercise routine that you will consistently follow. Consider buying individual health insurance to protect yourself against unexpected medical expenses.

Conclusion

Sitting on the wrong office chair with poor posture can wreak havoc on your health. It can lead to issues like back, neck, and shoulder pain, weight gain, lack of concentration and increased risk of heart disease.

You can improve your health by investing in an ergonomic office chair and desk. Try to stay active. Periodically, get up from the chair and move around. Exercise for 15 to 30 minutes daily. Consume enough water to stay productive during the workday.

Also consider investing in a health insurance early on to protect yourself from unexpected medical expenses.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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