Your Standing Desk Might Not Be As Healthy As You Think

Standing desks are often hailed as a solution to the health risks associated with prolonged sitting. However, a new study from the University of Sydney, which surveyed 83,000 adults in the UK, suggests that standing for extended periods may not mitigate the risk of health issues like circulatory diseases as previously thought.

Moreover, standing too long could potentially lead to other health complications, including deep vein blood clots and heightened circulatory issues.

The research highlights that “sitting for more than 10 hours per day increases the risk of both cardiovascular disease and orthostatic issues, emphasizing the importance of incorporating more physical activity into our daily routines.” It also indicates that increased standing time does not correlate with an elevated risk of cardiovascular problems.

It is important to note that the study’s focus was on the dangers of prolonged standing, rather than the use of standing desks specifically. Nonetheless, the findings raise concerns about the benefits traditionally associated with standing desks. Sitting for the entire day at a conventional office desk is equally detrimental to health.

Mathew Ahmadi, the lead author of the study, summarizes the findings: “The main takeaway is that extended periods of standing will not counteract the effects of a largely sedentary lifestyle and could be hazardous for certain individuals in terms of circulatory health. We’ve observed that simply standing more does not enhance cardiovascular health in the long run and may actually raise the risk of circulatory problems.”

For those who find themselves sitting for protracted periods regularly, there are proactive measures to take, including integrating spontaneous movement throughout the day and engaging in structured exercise as a more effective strategy for lowering the risk of heart disease,” explains Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis, director of the Mackenzie Wearables Research Hub.

“Regular breaks, walking meetings, choosing stairs over elevators, taking breaks during extended driving, and using your lunch hour for movement are all beneficial practices. With warmer weather in Australia, now is an ideal time for sun-safe physical activity that promotes movement,” he added.

To maintain good health, aim for six minutes of intense exercise or 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each day. If you lead a highly sedentary lifestyle, defined as sitting for more than 11 hours a day, incorporating these activities can significantly lower your heart disease risk.