Office staff should pay attention to a new study which reveals that sitting for long periods of time is bad for your health. Scientists from Leicester and Loughborough universities say that sedentary behaviour can place us at greater risk from diabetes, heart disease and even death.
The researchers looked at existing data relating to more than 800,000 people which suggests that today’s lifestyle, which frequently involves long stretches watching TV, sitting in cars and using a computer, remains harmful even if we redress the balance by taking exercise.
Dr Emma Wilmot, who led the study which is published in Diabetologia, said; “If a worker sits at their desk all day then goes to the gym, while their colleague heads home to watch TV, then the gym-goer will have better health outcomes.
“But there is still a health risk because of the amount of sitting they do. Comparatively, the risk for a waiter who is on their feet all day is going to be a lot lower.”
The research found that the greatest risk posed by prolonged periods of sitting was that of developing diabetes.
The advice to those working in offices is to break up the time they spend sitting. They are advised that walking during lunch breaks rather than eating at their desks would be beneficial. Standing meetings are also suggested.
A spokesperson for Diabetes UK echoes the advice, saying; “What is clear is that anyone who spends lots of time sitting or lying down would benefit from replacing some of that time by standing or walking.”
Do you spend a lot of time sitting at your desk? Will you change your behaviour in light of this warning by taking standing breaks or do you think taking exercise after work is sufficient? Let us know below.
