Standing desks are often seen as a healthy fix for sitting too much, but new research shows they may not be as helpful as people think. A large study from Australia found that standing for long periods does not protect against heart disease or stroke. Instead, it may raise the risk of problems like varicose veins or dizziness.
The study followed more than 83,000 people using devices to measure sitting, standing, and activity. It found that sitting more than 10 hours a day raised heart risks, but swapping sitting for standing didn’t lower them. Experts say this is because standing too long can cause blood to pool in the legs, which harms circulation.
Doctors now stress that movement is what really matters. Short walks, stretching, or even changing positions often can make a big difference. Sit-stand desks may help if used to switch between sitting and standing, but the best approach is to add regular movement throughout the day.
SOURCE: