Electric Standing Desks Solve Sedentary Problems

An electric standing desk gives us yet another reason to get up and move.

The findings, published in Cell Physiology, suggest that the pressure placed on the buttocks and hips from sitting still for too long can lead to more than 50 percent fat production in those areas.

Researchers at Tel Aviv University looked at MRI images of muscle tissue from people paralysed by spinal cord injuries and found that large numbers of fat cells were stretched into areas around the muscle that were under the stress of lying or sitting. The researchers then manipulated a group of fat cells to stretch and sit for long periods of time, representing time spent sitting or lying down. After two weeks, they found that the stretched cells produced nearly 50 percent more liquid fat than normal fat cells.

These findings suggest that we need to take into account not only the number of calories consumed and burned, but also the mechanical environment of our cells. "Amit Gefen, a Tel Aviv researcher, told Britain's Daily Telegraph.

Previous research has found that those who are wheelchair-bound or bedridden show abnormal muscle and fat growth in body parts that apply more pressure. But Gefen said the research could also translate into a less extreme sedentary lifestyle.

According to the study, even those who eat well and exercise suffer the consequences of larger butts and waistlines if they sit for long periods of time. But give up the practice and become a couch potato, and the results could be worse, Geffen told The Telegraph.

If it is used at home, electric standing office desk is recommended for more convenient operation.