How much do adults sit? Results from the German Health Update (GEDA 2019/2020-EHIS).

Background: Sedentary behaviour is increasingly perceived as a risk factor for the development of diseases and for increased mortality. In particular, increased time spent sitting in combination with low physical activity seems to have negative health consequences.

Methods: In the nationwide cross-sectional study German Health Update (GEDA 2019/2020-EHIS), the indicator 'sitting' was captured by the self-report of the participants.

Results: For at least eight hours a day, 16.7% of women and 22.3% of men sit: Men more often than women, younger persons more often than older persons and the proportion increases significantly from the low to the high education group. Similarly, about one fifth of adults in Germany sit for at least four hours a day and do not engage in physical activity in their leisure time.

Conclusion: The results indicate that preventive measures are needed to reduce time spent sitting and increase physical activity.