Sedentary Behaviour Epidemiology

This book addresses the origins, determinants and magnitude of the global problem of sedentary behaviour, along with concise yet in-depth solutions for tackling it. As a consequence of major technological advances in modern society, many people find themselves in environments characterized by prolonged sedentary behaviour. Although inadequate exercise has long been known to cause adverse health consequences, sedentary behaviour has recently emerged as a risk factor for the development of numerous chronic diseases and health conditions. Building on the contributions of leading experts in the field, this book presents current knowledge about sedentary behaviour, its medical and public health significance, its correlates and determinants, measurement techniques, and recommendations for addressing this behaviour at the individual, community, environmental, and policy level. Applying a cross-disciplinary methodology, the book avoids considering physical activity and sedentary behavior as a single continuum, which potentially hampers progress in confronting widespread levels of sedentariness. Rather, the book helps readers better understand how sedentary and physically active behavior co-occur and how the two behaviours have distinct contributing factors. Building on the contributions of distinguished international experts in the field, this thorough resource is a valuable asset and challenges professionals, researchers, students, and practitioners alike to adopt new strategies and expand their reach.

Michael Leitzmann is chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine at the University of Regensburg, Germany. He holds an MD from the University of Berlin and an MPH in Quantitative Methods and a doctorate in Epidemiology from the Harvard School of Public Health. Dr. Leitzmann serves on numerous journal editorial boards and international scientific committees. His main research interests include the relations of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, diet, and body size to the development and prognosis of chronic disease, particularly cancer. Carmen Jochem is a medical doctor at the local health authority in Regensburg, Germany. She gained her MD at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and the University of Regensburg. She also completed a Master’s degree in Global Health Policy at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Dr. Jochem served as a research associate in the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine at the University of Regensburg from 2012 to 2016. Her primary academic interest is the relation of physical activity and sedentary behaviour to chronic disease health outcomes. Daniela Schmid holds a graduate degree in Nutrition and Hygiene from the Albstadt-Sigmaringen University of Applied Sciences and a PhD in Nutrition from the Technical University Munich, Germany. She also completed a Master’s degree in Epidemiology at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. Dr. Schmid served as an associate lecturer in the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine at the University of Regensburg from 2012 to 2016. Her main research interest is the relation of physical activity and sedentary behaviour to cancer incidence and survival.