Sitting in front of TV may be worse for health than desk job

A study released last week by the National Institutes of Health suggests that falling asleep with the TV on can have a negative effect on hormone production and metabolism, leading in many cases to weight gain. (Adobe Stock photo)

Working at a desk all day may not be as bad for heart health and longevity as sitting in front of a television after hours, according to a US study that suggests not all types of sitting are equally harmful. 

“We’ve been hearing more and more about how sitting is the new smoking, and there is evidence to suggest that there are many adverse health risks associated with prolonged sedentary time,” said Jeanette Garcia, a researcher at the University of Central Florida in Orlando who led the research.