Long Life

Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark, the National Research Centre for Prevention and Health and the University of Sydney have stated that a 71-minute less sitting session could increase longevity. The study suggests that taking frequent breaks to reduce sitting time at the workplace can help you cut extra body fat, thus lowering the risk of heart disease, diabetes and early death.

The team analysed work patterns of 317 office workers in 19 offices across Denmark and Greenland. These people were randomly put into control and intervention groups. The intervention group included environmental office changes and a lecture and workshop where workers were encouraged to use their sit-stand desks. An accelerometer device worn by these participants helped researchers measure results across a five-day working week. After one month, participants from the intervention group sat down 71 minute less in an eight-hour work day than the control group.

The results that followed showed a reduction of 0.61 percent in body fat in participants. The study also found that the number of steps per workday hour was seven percent higher at one month and eight percent higher at three months. The study appeared in the International Journal of Epidemiology.