New Delhi, June 25 -- Sitting has become one of the defining features of modern life. From desk jobs and long commutes to evenings spent watching screens, many people spend most of their day seated. Sitting is not an occasional habit anymore; for many, it is a daily routine. While it may seem harmless, prolonged sitting can have significant effects on physical and mental health.

The science on this has grown considerably more alarming in recent years. Prolonged sitting is now seen as an active choice for those who lack exercise. Researchers in the British Journal of General Practice suggests that prolonged sitting may be an independent risk factor for several chronic diseases.

How much sitting is too much?

There is no universal cut-off...