- #1
leroyjenkens
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I think I have a pretty nice butt, but I also sit a lot. I don't want to flatten my butt. Is there any reason to worry?
Can sitting on your butt too much flatten it?
- Context: Medical
- Thread starter leroyjenkens
- Start date
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the potential effects of prolonged sitting on the shape of the buttocks, exploring whether excessive sitting can lead to flattening. Participants consider various aspects of this issue, including observational claims, ergonomic considerations, and the lack of specific literature on the topic.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants express concern about the effects of sitting on the shape of the buttocks, questioning if there is a reason to worry about flattening.
- Others note the absence of specific literature directly addressing the flattening of buttocks due to sitting, while emphasizing the importance of taking breaks from sitting.
- One participant mentions casual observations of people with flatter buttocks and suggests that sleeping positions may also contribute to this issue.
- Another participant points out that while there may be a risk of flattened buttocks from prolonged sitting, research tends to focus more on issues like lumbar flattening and scoliosis rather than buttock shape.
- Some participants highlight the common-sense approach of getting up regularly and the lack of evidence-based recommendations regarding sitting.
- A later reply humorously suggests that excessive sitting should be viewed as an ergonomically sub-optimal posture rather than a medical concern.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on the issue. While some express concerns about the effects of sitting, others argue that the topic may not warrant medical attention and emphasize the need for more research.
Contextual Notes
The discussion reflects a variety of assumptions about the relationship between sitting and body shape, with limitations in available research specifically addressing the flattening of buttocks. There is also a noted dependence on observational claims rather than empirical evidence.
- #2
Simon Bridge
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I don't think I've seen anyliterature specifically on this, but there are plenty of reasons to get out of that chair regularly.
i.e. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/expert-answers/sitting/faq-20058005
Parsing the popular medical advise is tricky though.
i.e. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/expert-answers/sitting/faq-20058005
Parsing the popular medical advise is tricky though.
- #3
SteamKing
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leroyjenkens said:
Haven't you seen all those flat-butted people walking around? That's where it comes from!
If you sleep on one side all the time, that side may become flatter, too.
- #4
Simon Bridge
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Certainly casual observation would back up the claim.
The trick is to support these claims with peer-reviewed research.
A quick look shows me that researchers seem to emphasis=ze flattening of the lumbar region and scoliosis than flattened buttocks.
i.e. Corlett E. N. (2006) Background to sitting at work: research-based requirements for the design of work seats [Ergonomics; Volume 49, Issue 14, 2006]
Dunstan D. W. (2012) Too much sitting – A health hazard [Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice; Volume 97, Issue 3, September 2012, Pages 368–376]
While it seems the short answer is "yes" there is a risk of flattened buttocks from lots of sit-down time, it is not the principle concern ... basically nobody has anything nice to say about sitting for long periods of time.
You'll find lots of advise about when to get up or what kind of seat is best.
Some extremists say not to sit to work at all. AFAIK none of these ideas are evidence-based but it is common sense to get off your butt to save it.
The trick is to support these claims with peer-reviewed research.
A quick look shows me that researchers seem to emphasis=ze flattening of the lumbar region and scoliosis than flattened buttocks.
i.e. Corlett E. N. (2006) Background to sitting at work: research-based requirements for the design of work seats [Ergonomics; Volume 49, Issue 14, 2006]
Dunstan D. W. (2012) Too much sitting – A health hazard [Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice; Volume 97, Issue 3, September 2012, Pages 368–376]
While it seems the short answer is "yes" there is a risk of flattened buttocks from lots of sit-down time, it is not the principle concern ... basically nobody has anything nice to say about sitting for long periods of time.
You'll find lots of advise about when to get up or what kind of seat is best.
Some extremists say not to sit to work at all. AFAIK none of these ideas are evidence-based but it is common sense to get off your butt to save it.
- #5
AlephZero
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From one of Simon Bridge's references:
- #6
Simon Bridge
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Perhaps it should just be considered a solitary ergonomically sub-optimal postured component?
- #7
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No there isn't and this isn't a medical topic.