CHRISTMAS and New Year can badly damage health because we are less active, a study says.
Watching TV, eating and socialising for two weeks weakens muscles, lets fat build and hits heart fitness.
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It also reduces bone density and clarity of thought, and lowers mood.
Scientists studied 26 volunteers aged around 28 and 21 others who averaged 60. None were “sporty” types but all did at least 10,000 steps a day before the two-week trial when their count fell to 1,500.
Their health and fitness decreased over this period, with the elderly worse affected.
They did not return to their old selves even after a fortnight back doing 10,000 steps a day.
Study leader Juliette Norman, of the University of Liverpool, said: “The severe impact of short-term inactivity on our health is hugely important to communicate to people.
“If the gym is hard to get to, people should be encouraged to just meet 10,000 steps as even this can guard against reductions in muscle and bone health, as well as maintaining healthy levels of body fat.
“The findings are particularly relevant to the upcoming Christmas and New Year period when people often move around less. We may spend more time in front of the TV, eating Christmas dinner and driving to see friends and family.”
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She urged Brits to try to break up their day by, for example, going out for a short walk after dinner or before watching TV.
She added: “You can also get your step count up by doing chores around the house.
“You don’t need to be going to the gym to be active.”
