Short-term decreased physical activity with increased sedentary behaviour causes metabolic derangements and altered body composition: effects in individuals with and without a first-degree relative with type 2 diabetes.

A short-term reduction in physical activity with increased sedentary behaviour leads to a reversible reduction in multi-organ insulin sensitivity and cardiorespiratory fitness, with concomitant increases in central and liver fat and dyslipidaemia. The effects are broadly similar in FDR+ve and FDR-ve individuals. Public health recommendations promoting physical activity should incorporate advice to avoid periods of sedentary behaviour.