New research suggests 69 percent of Britons are currently leading a completely sedentary lifestyle, spending an average of 11 hours and 12 mins of the waking day either sitting or lying down.

According to the data, the average Brit working from home now spends 3 hours and 48 mins sitting on the sofa, 3 hours 36 mins sitting in chairs and a further 3 hours and 48 mins lying on their bed each day. 

The study also reveals, as a nation, we currently walk just half the daily steps recommended by health professionals (5,229 on average) and spends less than three hours a day outside in the fresh air. 

Almost half (43 percent) regularly drive to their local shop, with the longest distance most are prepared to walk before getting in the car, emerging as just two thirds of a mile (0.66 miles on average).

When it comes to diet, more than half (59 percent) are consuming high sugar, processed or fried foods on a daily basis, with one in five (20 percent) admitting their diet is worse than it was a year ago.

One in ten do not drink any water in an average day, relying solely on tea, coffee, or carbonated drinks to keep them hydrated.

Furthermore, almost a quarter (22 percent) are drinking at least two alcoholic drinks a day, with the stress of lockdown the main reason cited (45 percent) and boredom coming second (36 percent).

Experts warn that all of these factors can damage the lymphatic system, which is essential in general health and fighting off infectious diseases such as Covid. 

Talking about the link between Covid and the lymphatic system, expert Professor Peter Mortimer said recently: “For the vaccine to work against Covid a functional lymphatic system is essential. The Lymphatic system, and its lymph glands, houses much of our immune system. 

“Lymph is the fluid which carries immune cells to our lymph glands, and the lymph glands is where all acquired immunity against infections and vaccinations occurs. Hence, without a working lymph system we would not succeed in overcoming infections such as Covid-19.”

54 percent of the 2,000 British adults who took part in the study, claim they feel “stressed” or “extremely stressed” on a day-to-day basis, while 64 percent are suffering from extreme tiredness or fatigue.

42 percent said their current lifestyle is leaving them feeling exhausted, while 39 percent are struggling with insomnia and 37 percent are struggling with anxiety.

Dr John Quinn of Quinn Clinics commented on the research, “Stress, poor diet and excessive alcohol all contribute towards poor lymphatic health, but the biggest culprit by far is being too sedentary.

“Unlike our circulatory system which uses the heart to pump blood around our bodies, the lymphatic system relies solely on movement to keep it flowing”  

“The lymphatic system forms part of our immune system and plays an important role in protecting our bodies.  It is vital for maintaining fluid balance, removing toxins, waste products and abnormal cells, and absorbing fats and proteins from the intestines.”

The study by Body Ballancer, the UK’s leading distributor of lymphatic massage systems also found that 33 percent of those interviewed currently suffer from regular headaches and migraines, while 25 percent are experiencing skin break outs.

When it comes to our major health concerns, 64 percent of Brits said obesity was the biggest threat to the nation’s health and 32 percent said they are more concerned about their general health than they were a year ago.

Jules Willcocks from Body Ballancer, who conducted the research said: “With our general health and wellbeing now more important than ever, we wanted to take a deep dive into the state of the nation’s overall health.”

“We were surprised to see how many people are suffering from symptoms such as tiredness and fatigue, headaches, bloating and discomfort, and even insomnia.  It’s easy to write these ailments off as a side effect of the winter blues and the stress of juggling work, home schooling and the current health pandemic, but they’re all common signs of poor lymphatic health.”

Jules explains: “If a healthy lymphatic system becomes compromised due to illness or poor lifestyle, this can lead to a range of issues, including tissue swelling, poor skin tone, excess weight, cellulite, headaches, joint pain, fatigue and greater susceptibility to illness.”

The study revealed that 43 percent of those surveyed have never even heard of the lymphatic system, with almost a quarter (23 percent) admitting to having no idea what it does. 

A further 20 per cent guessed incorrectly that it is part of the body’s nervous system, one in ten (10 percent) claim it aids muscle movement, and 9 percent believing it controls the body’s senses.