The comparison has a lot to do with the effects on the cardiovascular system. Circulation requires muscle movement to help return blood to the heart (why long periods of sitting puts you at risk for clots). Physical activity also exercises heart muscle, making it stronger for its functions.
ernirn t1_iyc336n wrote
Reply to comment by Scuka1 in ELI5 How is sitting for prolonged durations (<1hour) bad for your body? by [deleted]
The comparison has a lot to do with the effects on the cardiovascular system. Circulation requires muscle movement to help return blood to the heart (why long periods of sitting puts you at risk for clots). Physical activity also exercises heart muscle, making it stronger for its functions.