27 Jan 2010

Sitting for long periods found to be unhealthy

10:37 am on 27 January 2010

A study has found that sitting for long periods of time can have a negative impact on people's health, even if they exercise regularly.

Research by Auckland University of Technology supports a recent study in Australia that found watching television for long periods can shorten people's lives.

AUT Public Health Professor Grant Schofield says inactivity and prolonged periods spent sitting increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and early death.

He says people need to think about not just getting out and exercising, but breaking their sitting time with activity.