#HealthBytes: Top health benefits of using a standing desk
What's the story
Because of prolonged sitting throughout the day, most office goers today, are at the risk of major health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, or even premature death.
Further, studies also show that sitting for long hours reduces calorie-burn, thus leading to obesity.
The solution? Use standing desks for work or while studying.
Here are top 5 health benefits of using a standing desk.
Prevent Obesity
Using a standing desk may help prevent obesity
The simple formula for weight loss is to burn more calories than you take.
While regular exercise is recommended for long-term weight management, simply switching from prolonged sitting to standing when working or studying can also help.
In fact, studies have shown that switching from sitting to standing at work for just one afternoon can help burn as many as 170 additional calories.
Heart health
Using standing desks reduces risk of heart disease
Sitting for long hours can significantly increase our risk of developing dreadful heart diseases.
A study found out that bus conductors who stand almost entire day are at half the risk of heart disease as compared to their colleagues sitting on the driver's seat.
Thus, for better heart health and prevention of heart problems, prefer standing over sitting, when at work.
Back Pain
Standing desk is a great alternative for back-pain patients
The standing desk can work as a great alternative for patients of back pain, as prolonged sitting is known to worsen the condition.
Studies, in support of standing desk usage, found out that participants reported a 32% improvement in lower back pain after several weeks of using a standing desk.
Another study showed that sit-stand desks can considerably reduce upper-back and neck pains.
Energy, Mood
Use of standing desks promotes greater energy levels, mood boost
Many studies have shown that sedentary lifestyles induce stress, anxiety, and depression.
On the other hand, it has lately been established that standing desks can improve overall mental well-being and mood.
Studies have shown that participants who used standing desks experienced reduced levels of stress and fatigue.
Additionally, majority of them reported higher levels of vigor and energy.
Longevity
Using a standing desk helps reduce risk of early death
With sedentary lifestyles and prolonged sitting habits increasing the risk of Type-2 diabetes and heart disease, sitting, in the long-term, may lead to premature death.
In fact, a review of 18 studies shows that those who sit the most are at 49% increased risk of dying early than those who sit the least.
By switching from prolonged sitting to standing, longevity can be improved.