First answer: sitting for long hours is bad for your health. However, standing may not be much better. A study of more than 83,000 adults found that standing for more than two hours a day does not protect against the cardiovascular risks associated with excessive sitting time. Instead, working while standing has its own disadvantages, as it increases the likelihood of developing serious circulatory problems such as varicose veins, abnormally low blood pressure and blood clots.

“Standing is generally better than sitting,” said Matthew N. Ahmadi, University of Sydney researcher and study leader, in a statement published by The Washington Post. However, this alone is not enough to make us healthier. “To improve overall health and reduce the risk of heart disease, you need to include real movement,” he said.

The scientists found that people who sat for more than 10 hours a day were at least 13% more likely to develop serious heart problems in the following years than those who sat for less time. These people also had a 26% higher risk of circulatory disorders.

Standing for more than two hours a day did not increase the risk of serious heart problems compared to those who stood for less time, but it did not reduce this risk either. Circulatory problems, on the other hand, increased by at least 11% among people who stood for more than two hours a day.

To improve the situation, just move, said Stamatakis and Ahmadi. Take a walk around your office for a few minutes every half hour, or go up and down the nearest stairs. If you prefer, do some squats. “Making the frequent transition between sitting and standing is a good idea,” said Stamatakis, ”as there will be muscle contractions during this process.”

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Source: The Washington Post | Valor Econômico | Oxford Academic