Why Sitting Is Not the New Smoking: an evolutionary medical perspective on physical inactivity

This conversation was led by Daniel Lieberman, Edwin M. Lerner II Professor of Biological Sciences at Harvard University. In this talk he reviewed the history of ideas about energy allocation to physical activity versus inactivity with a focus on the energetics and biomechanics of sitting. He tried to show how many common ideas about sitting have been exaggerated or in some cases refuted but persist because of cultural norms and the often sensationalist way in which health and science information is conveyed to the public. These ideas are discussed in his upcoming book, Exercised: Why Something We Never Evolved to Do Is Healthy and Rewarding.

 

Resources discussed:

• Exercised: Why Something We Never Evolved to Do Is Healthy and Rewarding

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