
Inactivity and its consequences
Why a lack of activity is a health risk
Physical activity is increasingly disappearing from many people’s work and leisure time – however, hardly anybody recognizes how dangerous a lack of movement is for your health. In this article, we will explain the causes and possible consequences of inactivity. You will also find out why it’s so important to stay active and how you can get moving.
Why are we less and less active?
As part of a globally conducted study, the World Health Organization (WHO) found out that inactivity is connected to a deep-seated change of lifestyle for many people: not only the workday but also leisure time is increasingly characterized by less activity.
As a result of digitization and automation, the number of workers carrying out manual labor has decreased while the need for office jobs is increasing. Consequently, more and more people have sedentary occupations. With more people working from home, even trips to the printer or canteen fall by the wayside for many.
The way we spend our leisure time is also affected by digitization: the triumphant advance of television and increasing popularity of Netflix etc. have a direct connection to inactivity during leisure, making the couch a popular place to spend free time. Add to that the growing popularity of the internet and social media that also promote physical inactivity.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends cutting down time spent sitting, and instead, carrying out activities of light to moderate intensity for at least 150-300 minutes every week. Otherwise, various risks to health and well-being may be caused, affecting all aspects of our lives.
Health implications of inactivity
The effects of inactivity on our health are severe and can manifest in different ways. Those affected may be prone to, for example:

Osteoarthritis: a widespread condition
Osteoarthritis is the most frequently occurring joint condition. Symptoms include painful joints and increasingly limited mobility. Osteoarthritis is detected in the finger, knee, and hip joints particularly often because those are subjected to most strain during everyday activities. However, it can develop in any joint.
Osteoarthritis is a very widespread condition: with increasing age, suffering from osteoarthritis becomes more and more likely. From the age of 65, around half of all women and about a third of men are affected in Germany. Excessive strain and inappropriate mechanical stress of the joints can also trigger and advance the development of osteoarthritis. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) is expecting the condition to become even more common.
Test your personal osteoarthritis risk now
If you frequently suffer from knee pain, our risk-test can give you an initial apraisal.
Why exercise is essential in cases of osteoarthritis
In cases of osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the joint wears excessively. This results in pain, restriction of movement and, in the worst case, stiffening.
The cartilage acts as a shock absorber for the bones and ensures that the joint glides smoothly. But it has to remain elastic and supple to fulfill this function optimally. This requires synovial fluid or “joint lubricant”, which nourishes the cartilage with all the essential nutrients and lubricants to keep it preserved. However, the fluid only enters the cartilage tissue during movement because it needs a combination of tension and relief. This is the only way to work essential nutrients into the cartilage and get rid of waste products. The consequence: without enough physical activity, the cartilage is not supplied with sufficient joint lubricant. As a result, the cartilage becomes porous and rough, suffers continuous wear and is no longer able to fulfill its protective function.

Get active in cases of osteoarthritis
Even though osteoarthritis cannot be reversed, there are ways of decelerating joint wear. We have compiled some actions you can take to combat osteoarthritis.
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