Full Answer Section

Prevalence and Consequences of Sedentary Behavior

Sedentary behavior, defined as any waking behavior characterized by an energy expenditure $\le 1.5$ metabolic equivalents (METs) while in a sitting, reclining, or lying posture, has become a pervasive public health concern globally. In many high-income countries and increasingly in urbanized areas worldwide, including Kenya, occupations have shifted from physically demanding roles to desk-bound, technology-driven jobs, leading to significant increases in daily sitting time. Data suggests that adults in developed nations spend, on average, 9-10 hours per day sedentary, with some estimates reaching up to 15 hours for office workers. This prevalence is particularly acute in urban settings where commuting is often car-dependent and leisure activities are often screen-based.