International medical scientists have recommended desk-bound office workers to leave their seats and walk or stand for a quarter of the work day to reduce obesity, cardiovascular disease and cancer risks.

The advice from experts who conducted the study for a British government health agency said office workers should be on their feet for a minimum of two hours daily during work hours.

It said that this daily quota should eventually be bumped up to four hours a day, breaking up prolonged periods of sitting with the use of sit-stand desks, standing-based work, and regular walkabouts.

The study examined international epidemiological data and health intervention programmes.

It pointed to a growing body of research linking prolonged periods spent seated with a heightened risk of serious illness and premature death.

“Seated-based work should be regularly broken up with standing-based work, the use of sit-stand desks, or the taking of short active standing breaks,” the expert said.

They urged employers to warn their workers of the health risks from prolonged sitting, and promote better nutrition and reductions in stress, alcohol consumption and smoking. (dpa/NAN)