Undoubtedly, a sedentary lifestyle is detrimental to our health. Research consistently shows that prolonged sitting is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death. The obvious solution to this problem is to incorporate more movement into our daily routines. Even short bursts of exercise can have significant health benefits, according to studies. However, in today’s modern world, it is challenging to avoid sitting, especially in the workplace. This has led to the popularity of standing desks as a way to combat the negative effects of sitting. But are standing desks truly beneficial? The evidence has been inconclusive, and prolonged standing can also have its own risks. Two recent studies shed light on the potential benefits and risks of working on your feet, providing some of the most nuanced evidence yet on the effectiveness of standing desks.
For years, studies have suggested that standing desks can improve markers for cardiovascular and metabolic health, such as lipid levels, insulin resistance, and arterial flow-mediated dilation. However, it is unclear how significant these improvements are in preventing serious health issues like heart attacks. In fact, a 2018 analysis suggested that the benefits of standing desks may be minor. Additionally, standing is not the same as moving, and if lack of movement is the root cause of health problems, standing still may not be the solution.
Some researchers argue that not all sitting is equal, and the link between poor health and sitting may depend on the specific population being studied. In a 2018 position paper, two health experts suggested that the negative effects of sitting may be due to factors such as sedentary behavior at home, also known as the “couch potato effect.” They pointed to studies that have found mixed results when examining the link between occupational sitting time and health outcomes. For example, a 2013 analysis did not find a link between sitting at work and cardiovascular disease, and a 2015 study found no link between sitting time and mortality among certain professions.
In conclusion, while the evidence on standing desks is still unclear, recent studies have provided more nuanced evidence on the potential benefits and risks of working on your feet. It is essential to consider the specific population being studied and the type of sitting behavior being examined when evaluating the impact of prolonged sitting on health. Ultimately, the key to maintaining good health may be finding a balance between sitting, standing, and moving throughout the day.
