Sitting for more than 3 hours per day is responsible for almost 4 percent of deaths worldwide

By TC Newman, Buzz60

Has it been a long day at the office and all you want to do is come home and take a load off? But wait a second, that's what you've been doing at your desk all day!

A new study suggests that staying in a seated position for long periods of time can lead to a shortened lifespan.

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The study, published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, found that sitting for more than 3 hours per day is responsible for almost 4 percent of deaths worldwide.

The research is compiled from data collected in 54 countries over 9 years. Researchers found that the average person sits for 4.7 hours per day and that this sedentary behavior leads to the premature deaths of 433 thousand people.

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When you factor in that most people work 8 hours per day, what can be done to lower that risk factor?

The study finds that sitting 2 hours less per day can cut the mortality rate by 2.3 percent and even reducing your time in a chair by only 30 minutes can have a positive effect.

This week, maybe take a walk around the block during your lunch hour -- or, better yet, invest in a standing desk.

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