Am J Public Health November 2018 PMID 30252516

Evaluating the Evidence on Sitting, Smoking, and Health: Is Sitting Really the New Smoking?

Jeff K Vallance, Paul A Gardiner, Brigid M Lynch, Adrijana D'Silva, Terry Boyle, Lorian M Taylor, Steven T Johnson, Matthew P Buman, Neville Owen

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Mentions

120
Peak: 9 in Oct 2019
across 5 sources since Feb 2019

Extended reach

342,796
potential audience

Total likes

462

Video views

14,402

Mentions per month

Feb 2019 – Aug 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News69 articles
  • X / Twitter34 posts
  • Facebook9 posts
  • YouTube5 videos
  • Blogs3 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Across the responses, users recognize that sitting is a risk but significantly less than smoking, with phrases like 'not entirely' and 'pales in comparison' reflecting nuanced understanding. The tone varies from supportive to critical, with some posts emphasizing scientific evidence, which demonstrates that the discussions are rooted in both factual debate and tone moderation.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions agree that sitting is not as dangerous as smoking, aligning with the article's main conclusion.

InterestModerate interest

Posts show moderate interest, with many commenting on the comparison and implications, but some dismiss the topic altogether.

EngagementModerate engagement

Several discussions delve into scientific evidence, critique public misperceptions, and mention specific studies, indicating a reasonable level of engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

Comments highlight that the debate influences public perception and health messaging, suggesting a modest but meaningful impact.

Abstract in brief

  • Sitting has been compared to smoking, with some suggesting smoking might even be safer, but the two are not comparable.
  • The health risks associated with sitting are significantly lower than those of smoking, with smoking showing a much higher relative risk of death.
  • Misinformation or confusing messages about health risks can lead to public doubt and hinder clear health recommendations.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Morgan Pfiffner
@MorganPfiffner · X

I think this is objectively wrong (sorry Brady!). There is extensive data that smoking increases mortality risk substantially more than sitting: https://t.co/CXF9hMkVNw https://t.co/myykWka0qP

Apr 9, 2024 · 15 likes · 1,110 followers View post →
Derek Griffin
@DerekGriffin86 · X

"Betteridge’s Law of Headlines states that any headline that ends in a question mark can be answered by the word no. Is sitting the new smoking? No." https://t.co/IbgqtDOcEH

Jan 24, 2021 · 11 likes · 2 shares · 38,314 followers View post →
د. سعود بن عبدالعزيز العميره
@S_Alomairah · X

في الآونة الأخيرة كثر الحديث عن ضرر الخمول البدني المتمثل في الجلوس وانه يعادل ضرر التدخين بل ويعتبر هو "التدخين" الجديد. هذه مقالة عملية تفند ذلك وتذكر كيف أن التغطية الإعلامية ساهمت في تضخيم الأمر. https://t.co/DPbX9ulGnW

Oct 20, 2019 · 8 likes · 8 shares · 9,380 followers View post →
Derek Griffin
@DerekGriffin86 · X

@TheBhupiThakur @B_Holmer "Equating sitting with smoking is unwarranted, misleading for the public, and may serve to distort and trivialize the ongoing and serious risks of smoking." https://t.co/IbgqtDOcEH

Apr 2, 2024 · 7 likes · 38,314 followers View post →
Sergio Veron Health & Fitness Professional
@Veronxveron · X

Ahora en @mas1047 Estar sentado vs fumar: ¿ Cuál es la escala del riesgo?Te lo contamos ya! Evaluating the Evidence on Sitting, Smoking, and Health: Is Sitting Really the New Smoking? https://t.co/3wD9BL7ho7

Apr 3, 2023 · 5 likes · 1 share · 111,737 followers View post →
Fábio Dominski
@fabiodominski · X

"Ficar sentado é o novo fumar" é uma afirmação enganosa e não suportada por evidências científicas. As evidências que comprovam que a frase não é verdadeira: https://t.co/OSKFEBYRBm

Jul 16, 2022 · 5 likes · 1 share · 313 followers View post →

All mentions

Sedentary Lifestyle Risks Compared to Smoking

Sitting for prolonged periods can have serious health consequences. While some compare sedentary behavior to smoking, evidence shows smoking poses a higher health risk. Learn how to reduce sitting time to improve your…

Emy Oliveira · Aug 21, 2023 552 views
Dr Brendon Stubbs
@BrendonStubbs23 · X

@NTFabiano Seen the conclusion to this review which looked at the evidence for this statement? https://t.co/QFsyFtLYVs

Jun 18, 2025 · 3 likes · 1,193 followers View post →
Amir
@AmirDev_ · X

نشستن آیا سیگار کشیدن جدید است؟ چند وقت پیش این مقاله رو دیدم. اینم خلاصش

Aug 19, 2024 · 2 likes · 1,025 followers View post →
Morgan Pfiffner
@MorganPfiffner · X

I think this is objectively wrong (sorry Brady!). There is extensive data that smoking increases mortality risk substantially more than sitting: https://t.co/CXF9hMkVNw https://t.co/myykWka0qP

Apr 9, 2024 · 15 likes · 1,110 followers View post →
狐マルセイ
@foxMARUSEI · X

座ること、喫煙、健康に関するエビデンスを評価する: 座ることは本当に新しい喫煙か? https://t.co/ksxsgm7RoD

Apr 2, 2024 · 1 like · 63 followers View post →
Derek Griffin
@DerekGriffin86 · X

@TheBhupiThakur @B_Holmer "Equating sitting with smoking is unwarranted, misleading for the public, and may serve to distort and trivialize the ongoing and serious risks of smoking." https://t.co/IbgqtDOcEH

Apr 2, 2024 · 7 likes · 38,314 followers View post →
David Mc Gettigan
@biggerthanpain · X

Despise this and all the other threads that are being put together for the sole reason of gathering followers and not actually informing people properly. https://t.co/E22PNrMU2j https://t.co/W3rSAFXFDL

Apr 23, 2023 · 573 followers View post →
Andrea Valeria
@anferr04 · X

RT @Veronxveron: Ahora en @mas1047 Estar sentado vs fumar: ¿ Cuál es la escala del riesgo?Te lo contamos ya! Evaluating the Evidence on Si…

Apr 3, 2023 · 1 share · 568 followers View post →
Sergio Veron Health & Fitness Professional
@Veronxveron · X

Ahora en @mas1047 Estar sentado vs fumar: ¿ Cuál es la escala del riesgo?Te lo contamos ya! Evaluating the Evidence on Sitting, Smoking, and Health: Is Sitting Really the New Smoking? https://t.co/3wD9BL7ho7

Apr 3, 2023 · 5 likes · 1 share · 111,737 followers View post →
Oscar throedsson
@Oscarthroe · X

“Given the current state of the evidence, equating sitting with smoking is unwarranted, mis- leading for the public, …”

Nov 15, 2022 · 1 followers View post →
Mango Billing
@MangoBilling · X

RT @BradAeon: Sitting is not as bad as smoking, but it's still a risk factor for physical health problems. Active Pomodoro break & stretchi…

Oct 20, 2022 · 1 share · 2,175 followers View post →
Brad Aeon, Ph.D.
@BradAeon · X

Sitting is not as bad as smoking, but it's still a risk factor for physical health problems. Active Pomodoro break & stretching can help #timemanagement #productivity #health #wellbeing Source: https://t.co/bOJ8wNFrLY https://t.co/7m6OYHRJJN

Oct 20, 2022 · 2 likes · 1 share · 538 followers View post →
GSLSUL
@mgslsul · X

RT @fabiodominski: "Ficar sentado é o novo fumar" é uma afirmação enganosa e não suportada por evidências científicas. As evidências que…

Jul 16, 2022 · 1 share · 66 followers View post →
Fábio Dominski
@fabiodominski · X

"Ficar sentado é o novo fumar" é uma afirmação enganosa e não suportada por evidências científicas. As evidências que comprovam que a frase não é verdadeira: https://t.co/OSKFEBYRBm

Jul 16, 2022 · 5 likes · 1 share · 313 followers View post →
Dr Michael Mol
@DrMichaelMol · X

Is sitting the "the new smoking?" Not entirely. Excessive #sitting increases the risk of premature death and some chronic diseases by 10-20%, but it pales in comparison to the risks associated with #smoking. If you ask me - it's best not to do either... https://t.co/ZyEqfdh2wH

Jul 14, 2022 · 2 likes · 23,831 followers View post →
The Health Addicts Show
@healthaddictsho · X

Some people would go as far to say it’s the new smoking. As it has become a risk factor. Smoking is still much worse. This study prove so https://t.co/hZJQ8poP0P. But still move those feet, stretch on the hour, and make time for breaks. https://t.co/4JnKHUyiU0

Jan 19, 2022 · 30 followers View post →
Kristen Brent
@brent_kristen · X

Just to clarify, new studies have shown that sitting is not the same level severity to smoking however both are linked to cardiovascular disease and if not treated it can lead to other adverse conditions #biom4180 https://t.co/eC6AWsZwRV

Jan 31, 2021 · 1 like · 102 followers View post →
ChadCookPT
@chadcookpt · X

RT @DerekGriffin86: "Betteridge’s Law of Headlines states that any headline that ends in a question mark can be answered by the word no. Is…

Jan 24, 2021 · 2 shares · 19,997 followers View post →
Cesar
@Cesar05431165 · X

RT @DerekGriffin86: "Betteridge’s Law of Headlines states that any headline that ends in a question mark can be answered by the word no. Is…

Jan 24, 2021 · 2 shares · 13 followers View post →
Derek Griffin
@DerekGriffin86 · X

"Betteridge’s Law of Headlines states that any headline that ends in a question mark can be answered by the word no. Is sitting the new smoking? No." https://t.co/IbgqtDOcEH

Jan 24, 2021 · 11 likes · 2 shares · 38,314 followers View post →
علوي الماجد | Alawi Almajid
@almajidalawi · X

RT @S_Alomairah: في الآونة الأخيرة كثر الحديث عن ضرر الخمول البدني المتمثل في الجلوس وانه يعادل ضرر التدخين بل ويعتبر هو "التدخين" الجديد.…

Jul 28, 2020 · 8 shares · 3,015 followers View post →
Dr Michael Mol
@DrMichaelMol · X

Is sitting the new smoking? Not entirely. Excessive sitting increases your risk of premature death and some chronic diseases by 10-20%, but that pales in comparison to the risks associated with smoking. It’s best not to do either... https://t.co/ZyEqfdh2wH https://t.co/xYnSlsgKX5

Jul 10, 2020 · 2 likes · 23,831 followers View post →
Razaz A.G.
@razaz_a_g · X

RT @S_Alomairah: في الآونة الأخيرة كثر الحديث عن ضرر الخمول البدني المتمثل في الجلوس وانه يعادل ضرر التدخين بل ويعتبر هو "التدخين" الجديد.…

Nov 2, 2019 · 8 shares · 30 followers View post →
أ.د عبدالله العرفج
@aalarfajj · X

RT @S_Alomairah: في الآونة الأخيرة كثر الحديث عن ضرر الخمول البدني المتمثل في الجلوس وانه يعادل ضرر التدخين بل ويعتبر هو "التدخين" الجديد.…

Oct 25, 2019 · 8 shares · 84 followers View post →
الكاتب / تركي الدويش
@TurkiAldawesh · X

RT @S_Alomairah: في الآونة الأخيرة كثر الحديث عن ضرر الخمول البدني المتمثل في الجلوس وانه يعادل ضرر التدخين بل ويعتبر هو "التدخين" الجديد.…

Oct 22, 2019 · 8 shares · 620 followers View post →
ياسين عداس
@Yaseno6666 · X

RT @S_Alomairah: في الآونة الأخيرة كثر الحديث عن ضرر الخمول البدني المتمثل في الجلوس وانه يعادل ضرر التدخين بل ويعتبر هو "التدخين" الجديد.…

Oct 20, 2019 · 8 shares · 919 followers View post →
Mohammad Jan
@m_k_jan · X

RT @S_Alomairah: في الآونة الأخيرة كثر الحديث عن ضرر الخمول البدني المتمثل في الجلوس وانه يعادل ضرر التدخين بل ويعتبر هو "التدخين" الجديد.…

Oct 20, 2019 · 8 shares · 1,285 followers View post →
د. سليمان العجل
@Sulaiman_dk · X

RT @S_Alomairah: في الآونة الأخيرة كثر الحديث عن ضرر الخمول البدني المتمثل في الجلوس وانه يعادل ضرر التدخين بل ويعتبر هو "التدخين" الجديد.…

Oct 20, 2019 · 8 shares · 13,259 followers View post →
د. سعود بن عبدالعزيز العميره
@S_Alomairah · X

RT @S_Alomairah: في الآونة الأخيرة كثر الحديث عن ضرر الخمول البدني المتمثل في الجلوس وانه يعادل ضرر التدخين بل ويعتبر هو "التدخين" الجديد.…

Oct 20, 2019 · 8 shares · 9,380 followers View post →
د. سعود بن عبدالعزيز العميره
@S_Alomairah · X

في الآونة الأخيرة كثر الحديث عن ضرر الخمول البدني المتمثل في الجلوس وانه يعادل ضرر التدخين بل ويعتبر هو "التدخين" الجديد. هذه مقالة عملية تفند ذلك وتذكر كيف أن التغطية الإعلامية ساهمت في تضخيم الأمر. https://t.co/DPbX9ulGnW

Oct 20, 2019 · 8 likes · 8 shares · 9,380 followers View post →
PAL Technologies
@paltechnologies · X

Stand up (and don’t have a smoke)...Interesting commentary on the comparison of the risks of smoking compared to #sedentary behaviour by Vallance and others https://t.co/2fHNsUYuZY

Oct 9, 2019 · 2 likes · 1,225 followers View post →
Luis Fernando Gómez Gutiérrez.
@LuisFernandoGm6 · X

"Evaluating the evidence on sitting, smoking, and health: Is sitting really the new smoking?" No https://t.co/Hu128C6ZuC

Oct 8, 2019 · 1,763 followers View post →
青島周一@【書籍】「生成AIと学ぶ医学論文の読み方・考え方」発売中!
@syuichiao89 · X

Evaluating the Evidence on Sitting, Smoking, and Health: Is Sitting Really the New Smoking? https://t.co/yFkBiyhnKE

May 27, 2019 · 1 like · 8,609 followers View post →
Erik Meira
@erikMeira · X

@physiojack @LinearProbe Yeah, I'm going with smoking: https://t.co/BFccp10ghm

May 1, 2019 · 3 likes · 13,938 followers View post →
yamanakanonaka@非公認心理師
@yamanakanonaka · X

座りっぱなしとかソフトドリンクの方が喫煙よりも悪影響なんだなぁ・・・

Feb 17, 2019 · 926 followers View post →