New research has shown that you’ll have a faster metabolism from standing than you will from sitting for the equivalent length of time. This will have that friend of yours who loves their standing desk absolutely dancing – which is also great for the metabolic rate, for that matter!
What Does a Faster Metabolism from Standing Really Mean?
The researchers behind the study were from the Turku PET Centre and the UKK Institute and published their findings in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. What they discovered was faster metabolism from standing due to improvements in insulin sensitivity. Moreover, they discovered that this improvement occurred regardless of how much physical activity or sitting time the individual did for the rest of the day, as well as whether they were overweight, and no matter their fitness level.
Insulin plays a tremendous role in determining whether you will have a slower or faster metabolism, and this research indicated that standing helped to alter the way your body produces and uses its insulin. When a body fails to react to insulin normally, blood glucose levels rise. This is what is known as insulin sensitivity impairment or, more commonly, insulin resistance. It is a common occurrence ahead of the onset of Type 2 diabetes.
Sedentary Behavior is Improved by Standing Instead of Sitting
Two of the factors most associated with disturbing the normal function of insulin in the body are being overweight and being regularly sedentary. These decrease insulin sensitivity and raise the risk of chronic disease. While boosting physical activity levels is typically recommended for preventing or improving those issues, researchers now believe that another factor can help to boost that effort even further.
Whether you’re unable to meet recommended physical activity levels or whether you want to get more out of your day which still involves lengthy periods of being sedentary, the idea is to simply stand when you would otherwise sit. Even if it is for only part of the day instead of the whole thing. The Finnish study suggests that swapping out these sedentary activities will give you a faster metabolism from standing than sitting. This may, over time, contribute to your effort to prevent or correct lifestyle diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and certain cardiovascular diseases.
Moreover, since you achieve a faster metabolism from standing than sitting, it can support the other efforts you make to control your weight. It may not be enough all on its own to make the numbers fall on the scale, but when combined with changes in diet and other healthy lifestyle practices for weight control, it can certainly help.
A Faster Metabolism from Standing is More Important at Higher Body Fat Percentages
The higher your body fat percentage, the greater the risk of insulin sensitivity. In fact, that factor plays more of a role than your fitness, physical activity, or even the time you spend sitting. Therefore, choosing to benefit from a faster metabolism from standing will provide the types of benefits you need to avoid insulin sensitivity if you are overweight.
Consider incorporating more standing time into your daily life, even if it’s just a little bit at a time. Stand at your desk, to take a phone call, or even while folding laundry or watching a video. Work these habits into your broader healthy lifestyle efforts to support your journey to reach your goal.
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