Abstract
While moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) has been widely accepted as a major factor in promoting optimal health, emerging research specific to sedentary behavior suggests that MVPA alone may not be enough. This integrative literature review examines the evidence on sedentary behavior as an independent health risk for cardiometabolic health conditions, certain cancers, and all-cause mortality. In so doing, it reveals new insights into high-volume sitting and prolonged uninterrupted sitting and their relationship to adverse health conditions in order to increase awareness of sedentary behavior as an independent health risk factor, examine the potential effects of displacing sedentary time with light-intensity physical activity, and encourage nurses to advance the overall reduction of sedentary behavior.