Sitting for long periods bad for health

London : Sitting for long periods increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease and death, experts suggest.

Scientists from Leicester and Loughborough universities say harm is done even if people also exercise, the BBC reported Monday.

The study analysed 18 existing studies involving almost 800,000 people.

The researchers say the opportunities for sedentary behaviour in modern society such as watching TV, sitting in a car or using a computer are “ubiquitous”.

Many people head to the gym to redress the balance. But the research team, led by Emma Wilmot from the Diabetes Group at the University of Leicester, says going to the gym or pool after work is better than heading straight for the sofa, according to the BBC.