Standing Desks May Not Be the Health Solution We Thought: New Research

Standing desks have gained popularity over the years, with many startups building their brands around them as a healthier workspace innovation. High-profile executives, like Apple CEO Tim Cook, have endorsed them—Cook famously referred to sitting as “the new cancer.”

However, a recent study reported by The Washington Post challenges the health claims surrounding standing desks. The study, which analyzed data from over 83,000 adults, found that standing for more than two hours a day does not reduce cardiovascular risk. In fact, it can increase the risk of circulatory issues, including varicose veins, low blood pressure, and blood clots. Additionally, standing burns only around nine extra calories per hour compared to sitting.

The researchers behind the study caution that while prolonged sitting is harmful, standing isn’t the ideal alternative. Instead, the key lies in regular movement. Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis from the University of Sydney, who led the research, recommends moving every 30 minutes to engage the muscles and support overall health. “Muscular contraction is essential for maintaining or improving health,” he told The Washington Post. He also added that “For people who sit for long periods on a regular basis, including plenty of incidental movement throughout the day and structured exercise may be a better way to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Take regular breaks, walk around, go for a walking meeting, use the stairs, take regular breaks when driving long distances, or use that lunch hour to get away from the desk and do some movement.”

For more details, you can read about this study in The Washington Post and similar studies published in The Journal of Epidemiology and European Heart Journal.