If you work in an office, you probably know at least one person who raves about their standing desk. In fact, it’s hard to ignore all the advertising and claims that standing all day at work can actually increase your energy, lessen back pain and improve your posture. It all sounds pretty impressive, right?
A new analysis, however, has shown that there may actually be no truth to these claims. Have we all fallen prey to a marketing stunt? Take a look at the facts and see what you think.
We have long known that sitting all day is not good for our health. In fact, many studies have even shown it may be fatal over time. Our chances of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity and even cancer are increased by living the sedentary office lifestyle, but why does everyone seem to think standing desks are the answer?
This new analysis suggests that there is no evidence-based science to back up the health claims most marketers use when selling these standing desks.
The report was recently published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
What may surprise you is that standing desks actually didn’t make much of a difference when it came to how often people still sit at work. In fact, standing desks only appeared to decrease workplace sitting for between 30 to 120 minutes each day. There was, however, a decrease in the amount of time spent consistently sitting. But is this enough to live up to all the health claims? Analysts aren’t so sure.
What do you think? Do you have a standing desk? Do you feel healthier and more energized?
