Defecating while sitting causes more physical strain than squatting
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 80/100
Evidence from scoping reviews and physiological studies indicates that a squatting posture straightens the anorectal angle and reduces physical strain during bowel evacuation compared to sitting.
Evidence for · 3
Sitting vs. squatting: a scoping review of toilet postures and associated health outcomes
2025 · cited by 5
A scoping review of toilet postures indicates that squatting may reduce digestive strain and enhance bowel evacuation compared to sitting.
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More for · 2
Functional constipation and posture in defecation
2013 · cited by 3
A clinical study on defecation posture found a significant correlation between the sitting posture and functional constipation.
Rethinking the effectiveness of defecation postures and practices: it’s not what you do it’s the way that you do it!
2017 · cited by 3
Experimental findings suggest that using a footstool to simulate a squatting posture on a standard pedestal toilet reduces the perceived stress and strain on the body during bowel movements.