Standing too long can (also) be bad for your health

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“Standing desks” have recently gained popularity. Presented as an effective alternative to a sedentary lifestyle, they are in fact not so good for health, particularly cardiovascular health.

Researchers from the University of Sydney (Australia) conducted a study of more than 83,000 British adults over 7 to 8 years. Their observation is edifying: prolonged standing is not associated with a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, it could increase the risk of varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis.

The happy medium

Dr Matthew Ahmadi, lead author of the study, emphasizes: “The key message is that standing for too long does not compensate for a sedentary lifestyle and can be risky for some people in terms of circulatory health.”

However, the study also confirms the dangers of prolonged sitting. Sitting for more than 10 hours a day increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Faced with these findings, researchers recommend a more balanced approach. Simple strategies like taking regular breaks, walking to meetings, using the stairs, or using lunch breaks to get moving are essential. They also point out that just 6 minutes of vigorous exercise or 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per day can help reduce the risk of heart disease, even in very sedentary people.

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