Do standing desks help you lose weight?

Are you tired of sitting all day long and want to switch things up with a standing desk? Good news, it may help you shed some pounds. But before you go out and buy a fancy new elevated workstation, let’s take a deeper look at whether or not standing desks can actually lead to weight loss.

The Sitting Epidemic

We’ve all heard the phrase “sitting is the new smoking.” And for good reason – with so many jobs requiring excessive amounts of time in front of a computer screen or behind a desk, our physical activity levels have taken a dip. In fact, studies show that adults who work sedentary jobs sit for an average of 12 hours per day (that’s half your life).

This lack of movement can lead to numerous negative health consequences including increased risk for diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer. So what can we do about this epidemic?

Enter: The Standing Desk

A standing desk allows us to stay on our feet while working instead of being crammed into an uncomfortable office chair all day. But does simply having one result in significant calorie burn?

According to Harvard Health Publishing, standing burns around 150-200 calories more per hour than sitting (just think about how many bags chips that could equal)! If you were previously sitting through an eight-hour workday, switching over to stand-up mode could equate anywhere from 1/3 -1/2 pound lost each week without changing any other habits!

But Wait…There’s More!

Not only does switching over provide additional calorie burn but also encourages micro-movements throughout the workday (you know those overly dramatic phone calls where you flail your arms?, those now count as exercise!) . By getting up on your feet every once in awhile instead of stagnating seated for extended periods study participants reported reducing blood sugar levels, cholesterol and back pain as well.

Not All Results Are Created Equal

Don’t expect to see immediate results the day after switching over to a standing desk (sorry folks). A study at Brigham Young University found that individuals who used standing devices for six months instead of sitting all day had much lower risk factors for heart disease than their office chair dwelling counterparts.

That being said, Dr. Anup Kanodia from Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center suggests “using an adjustable height” in order to increase muscle movement throughout the workday which can result in several pounds lost each year if done consistently.

But Just Like Any Diet Or Exercise Regimen…

There are some downsides! According to a 2018 article by The Atlantic, those who switch fully over without proper preparation may find themselves with sore knees and an achy lower back due mainly because… they aren’t used to it!

So what do we recommend? Use your best judgement! Try transitioning into using an elevating workstation slowly versus jumping straight into it immediate long hours so you have time for adjustment if needed (standing desks shouldn’t physically stand between you or joy 🍕🍺).

Conclusion: It Can Help!

Ultimately there is research-backed evidence showing both calorie burn benefits when using a stand-up alternative while also reporting reduced high blood sugar levels, cholesterol lowering effects & overall improved health outcomes–trading out sedentary behavior whenever possible would be beneficial here while remaining conscious of proper moderation. Give yourself permission adjust, take small steps & remember this snackable quote below:

“Standing up isn’t reserved just for childhood crushes on pizza delivery drivers anymore”

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