Office workers encouraged to stand up to get fitter

by Peter Ames on Wednesday 09 January 2013

A doctor from the University of Chester has urged office workers to stand at their desk to potentially lose 8lb (3.6kg) of fat a year.

Dr John Buckley, who is part of a group of advisors helping England’s chief medical officer tackle obesity, has said these benefits could come from standing up for an extra three hours daily.

This follows several studies in recent years that have warned about the dangers of inactivity. A report last year found a connection between too much sitting down and diabetes.

With another study finding inactive lifestyles can potentially be as dangerous as smoking, spending hours sat at a desk could have serious health implications.

However, it is thought simply standing for three extra hours a day can burn 144 calories. In addition to helping people lose weight it can also improve circulation.

“There is no need to sit down so much,” stated Dr Buckley.

He added: “People are sitting down at work, then sitting in the car and then sitting down in front of the television.

“Your metabolic rate crashes to an absolute minimum.

“It isn't natural. Humans are designed to stand up and keep moving.”

Workers who want to feel the benefit of standing up to work will be in illustrious company. It is thought both Ernest Hemingway and Vladimir Nabokov stood up to write.

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