A new study assures that there is no link between sitting for long hours and increased risk of death. Generally, previous researches have mostly negative to say about effects associated with sitting for long hours.

In the study carried out by researchers from University of Exeter and University College London, data worth of 16 years having information of more than 5,000 people was assessed. As a part of the study, the researchers had to note down the total time period for which they were sitting, which will also include sitting at work, watching television, leisure time and non-television leisure time.

The researchers also asked the participants to report on their physical activity like exercise and walk. After assessing all the factors, the researchers came to know that the risk of death for patients was not affected by for how much period they were sitting.

Study’s author Melvyn Hillsdon of the University of Exeter was of the view, “Our study overturns current thinking on the health risks of sitting and indicates that the problem lies in the absence of movement rather than the time spent sitting itself. Any stationary posture where energy expenditure is low may be detrimental to health, be it sitting or standing”.

As per the CDC, individuals aged between 18 and 64 should do moderate exercise of at least 150 minutes and they should also indulge themselves into muscle-strengthening activities for at least twice a week.