Your Cart is Empty
Does a Standing Desk Help You Lose Weight?
We’ve all heard the phrase "sitting is the new smoking." But could simply standing at your desk actually help you shed some pounds? If weight loss is your goal, and you're stuck at a desk for hours a day, this question gets a lot more interesting.
Let’s dig into what the science says and what real-world users have experienced.
Understanding the Basics
What Is a Standing Desk?
A standing desk is just as it sounds - a desk designed for working while standing. Some are fixed height, while others (more commonly called sit-stand desks) can move up and down.
Some people go even further and use treadmill desks, allowing them to walk while working. All of these desks aim to combat the health issues linked to prolonged sitting.
The Rise of Standing Desks in Modern Workspaces
Over the last decade, standing desks have exploded in popularity, especially with the shift to remote working. Offices, home setups and co-working spaces are all catching on.
People want to feel more energized and reduce the physical toll of sitting all day. But there’s another key question to be answered: can this new way of working actually support weight loss?
The Science Behind Standing and Calorie Burn
Calories Burned: Sitting vs. Standing
It might not sound like much, but standing does burn more calories than sitting. A 2016 study in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health found that standing burns about 88 calories an hour, compared to 80 calories for sitting.
That’s an 8-calorie difference per hour. Over a full 8-hour day, that’s 64 extra calories burned - just by standing.
Our height adjustable smart deskmakes this even easier to track. With built-in activity alerts and smart metrics, you can monitor how long you’ve been standing and set daily goals for calories burned, ensuring your desk time contributes to your wellbeing.
The Role of Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT)
NEAT stands for Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis. It's the energy you burn doing everything that isn’t sleeping, eating, or sports-like exercise - like fidgeting, shifting your weight, or walking to the printer.
Standing encourages small movements that add up. You might sway, stretch, or pace slightly - all of which increase your NEAT and contribute to daily calorie burn.
Long-Term Impact on Weight Loss
Here’s the reality: using a standing desk alone won’t lead to dramatic weight loss. But over months or years, even modest calorie differences can matter, especially when paired with other habits.
Think of it this way: it’s not a workout replacement, but it’s a useful tool in the bigger picture of daily movement and energy balance.
Explore our full collection of standing desks to find the one that suits your workspace and lifestyle.
Enhancing Weight Loss with Standing Desks
Incorporating Movement into Your Routine
Do you want to make your standing desk more effective for weight management? The answer is to keep moving whilst standing.
Shift your stance regularly. Take phone calls while pacing. Do light stretches or squats during breaks. Little changes like these make your desk time more dynamic and help burn more energy throughout the day. Hour by hour, day by day - it all ads up.
Combining Standing Desks with Other Healthy Habits
The real magic happens when a standing desk is part of a broader healthy lifestyle. Pair it with balanced meals, proper hydration, and regular walks.
Even small actions - like using stairs instead of elevators - can amplify the effects. Think of your desk setup as one piece of a much larger wellness puzzle.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
Physical Discomfort from Prolonged Standing
Standing too long without breaks can lead to fatigue, back strain, or sore feet. This is why it’s best not to overdo it right away.
Ease into standing gradually. Use an anti-fatigue mat and wear cushioned shoes for support. The goal isn’t to punish your legs - it’s to balance sitting and standing throughout the day.
Importance of Balance and Movement
The key isn’t standing all day - it’s movement. Experts recommend alternating between sitting and standing every 30–60 minutes.
A good sit-stand desk makes this easy. And don’t forget to walk, stretch, and keep your body active during breaks.
Conclusion: Are Standing Desks a Weight Loss Solution?
In short: not on their own. But they absolutely help set the stage.
Standing desks increase calorie burn slightly, encourage movement, and promote better posture and energy levels. Over time, those benefits can support healthier habits - and yes, even modest weight loss.
Use your desk as a tool, not a fix-all. Pair it with smart daily choices and you’ll be heading in the right direction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many extra calories can I burn using a standing desk?
Standing burns about 8 more calories per hour than sitting. That’s around 60–70 extra per full workday. It’s not a huge number, but it adds up.
Can standing desks replace regular exercise for weight loss?
No. Standing desks are helpful but they’re not a substitute for workouts. Think of them as part of your daily movement, not a replacement.
Are there any risks associated with standing desks?
Overuse can lead to discomfort in your legs, back, or feet. Start slow, alternate with sitting, and make sure your desk setup is ergonomic.
Want to give it a try? Start small. Move more. And let your desk support—not replace—your healthy habits
Can a Sedentary Lifestyle Accelerate Ageing?
Movement is Medicine! We can positively influence the ageing process, improve our overall health, & enjoy a higher quality of life as we grow older. Let's embrace the power of movement & make it an integral part of our lives
Read More
How to Overcome Mental Burnout
In today's demanding professional landscape, mental burnout is common. Recognise its signs, prioritise self-care, seek support, & create a positive work environment to restore mental wellbeing
Read More
Revitalise Your Health: Effective Strategies to Combat a Sedentary Lifestyle
Who’d have thought that one of the most basic of human activities, one we all do, should come with a safety warning of its own? The simple act of sitting - when done in excess - can be bad for our health and wellbeing. So, what can we do to combat a sedentary lifestyle?
Read More