The Relationship Between Sedentary Behavior And Obesity Among Adults: A Systematic Literature Review

Ketty Amanda Putri (Universitas Indonesia)
Tri Krianto (Universitas Indonesia)

International Journal of Health, Engineering and Technology
Vol. 5 No. 3 (2026): Vol. 5 No. 3 SEPTEMBER 2026

Obesity is a growing public health problem in various countries, including Indonesia. Sedentary behavior, characterized by prolonged sitting or lying down with low energy expenditure, has been identified as a major risk factor for obesity in adulthood. This study aims to examine the relationship between sedentary behavior and obesity in adulthood through a literature review. The method used was a literature review with a search of articles published in PubMed and Google Scholar databases between 2023 and 2026. Inclusion criteria included studies discussing sedentary behavior and obesity in the adult population. The study results showed that a high duration of sedentary behavior was significantly associated with increased body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and the risk of obesity. Adults who spend more than 6–8 hours per day sitting have a greater risk of obesity than individuals with more physical activity. Technological developments, computer-based work, and the use of digital devices are contributing factors to the increase in sedentary behavior. These findings emphasize the importance of increasing physical activity and reducing sitting time as strategies for preventing obesity in adulthood.