Desk jobs double the risk of early death even with regular exercise, new research shows

DESK jobs nearly double the risk of dying early, a study says.

Workers who sit for long periods are in greater danger even if they exercise regularly.

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But walking about every 30 minutes dramatically reduces the threat, say scientists.

Volunteers who sat for no more than half an hour at a time had the lowest risk of death.

The findings support a Cambridge University study last year which found one in six deaths — 90,000 a year — was caused by 9-to-5 office lifestyles.

Heart disease, strokes, cancer, type 2 diabetes and dementia were mainly to blame.

It also estimated 37 per cent of British adults spend less than 30 minutes a day on their feet.

In the latest research, a US team at Columbia University, New York, studied almost 8,000 adults over 45.

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The biggest risk of early death was in those who sat for up to 90 minutes.

Researcher Monika Safford said: “Sitting really is the new smoking.

"We need creative ways to ensure we not only cut back on the amount we sit but increase regular bursts of activity.”