Energy balance
Replacing seated computer work with walking-and-working on a vertical workstation significantly increases energy expenditure (by ~119 kcal/h) in obese individuals, potentially leading to substantial annual weight loss if sustained.
If you have obesity and sit at a computer all day, try replacing 2-3 hours of sitting with walking on a treadmill desk. This simple change can burn an extra ~120 calories per hour. Over a year, this could theoretically lead to significant weight loss (20-30 kg) without changing your diet, provided you stay consistent. Start with a slow walking speed and adjust as needed.
The mean (SD) increase in energy expenditure for walking-and-working over sitting was 119 (25) kcal/h... if obese individuals were to replace time spent sitting at the computer with walking computer time by 2–3 h/day... a weight loss of 20–30 kg/year could occur.
Why this rating
Small sample size (n=15), short duration (acute measurement), and lack of long-term weight loss data; however, the physiological measurement (indirect calorimetry) is precise.
Source
The energy expenditure of using a “walk-and-work” desk for office workers with obesity
James A. Levine et al. · British Journal of Sports Medicine · 2007
DOI 10.1136/bjsm.2006.032755
Related findings · Energy balance
- Achieving a total body weight loss of 10-15% (or >10-15 kg) through Total Diet Replacement (TDR) induces remission of Type 2 Diabetes in individuals with short-duration disease.Strong
- Bariatric surgery is superior to medical management alone for inducing significant long-term weight loss, remission of type 2 diabetes, and reduction in mortality for patients with BMI ≥ 40 or ≥ 35 with comorbidities.Strong
- Achieving type 2 diabetes remission requires significant weight loss (≥15 kg) via major caloric restriction, independent of macronutrient composition.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →