Sitting at work might not kill you

But the study authors are far from claiming that there are no health problems posed by long-term sitting. But they suggest that putting the emphasis on avoiding sitting, rather than seeking out physical activity, could be misguided. 

"Policy makers should be cautious in recommending a reduction in the time spent sitting without also promoting increased physical activity," study co-author Melvyn Hillsdon, said in a news release announcing the report. 

In fact, the report suggested that even if most of the London workers observed were prolific sitters, they were also prolific walkers, a fact that may have counteracted any negative effect from prolonged sitting at work or at home. 

"The public transport infrastructure in London is such that London-based employees are far likelier to stand (on buses and trains) or walk during their commute to work than those residing in other areas of the country," it said. 

A recent study from the Journal of American Preventative Medicine found that employees who were given sit-stand desks averaged an hour more on their feet a day than employees at traditional desks. They also burned 87 more calories. But the study, which examined a relatively small group of workers over a short period of time, did not attempt to examine long-term health consequences of sitting.