The wisdom of the Donguibogam is clearly explained by modern science as well. A sedentary lifestyle with prolonged sitting has a far more serious impact on our bodies than we might think. Modern medicine sometimes refers to this as inactivity syndrome. The most direct consequence is sarcopenia, where muscles are rapidly lost due to inactivity even at a young age, well beyond the natural decline in muscle mass that comes with aging. The muscles in our body are crucial organs that do far more than just manage movement; they perform diverse physiological functions such as glucose metabolism, immunity, and hormone regulation.
When physical activity decreases, the function of mitochondria within muscle cells declines, and energy production efficiency drops. This becomes the primary cause of chronic fatigue. In addition, muscles play an important role in helping insulin transport blood glucose into cells, so when muscle mass decreases and activity drops, insulin resistance increases, causing problems with blood glucose control. This not only raises the risk of diabetes, but can also lead to overall metabolic syndrome. Research shows that prolonged sitting is an independent risk factor that increases cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and the premature mortality rate.
From a neurological perspective, the problem is equally serious. Physical activity promotes the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to assist the growth and function of nerve cells, but inactivity reduces BDNF secretion, which is linked to cognitive decline and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety disorder. If you do not use your muscles, the neural circuits connecting the muscles and the brain also weaken, slowing reaction speed and diminishing balance. It also adversely affects bone health, readily leading to a decrease in bone mineral density. Our bodies are designed to move, and sitting continuously goes against this natural design. Just as muscles are called the second heart, actively moving your muscles keeps circulation smooth and ensures proper elimination of waste products. If you do not move your body, these critical physiological functions decline, going beyond simple muscle weakness to break down the vitality and health system of the entire body, disrupting the delicate balance of our interconnected systems.
