We often talk about the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle, an idea backed by plenty of research. Remaining in a seated position for most of the day slows your metabolism, leads to increased fat storage in the body, and can complicate your medical weight loss plan. And so, many people consider standing desks as a solution to a sedentary lifestyle. But will making this switch help you lose weight?

Well, no. Using a standing desk won’t lead to metabolism boost that is dramatic enough to boost weight loss. If you’re following a medical weight loss plan, you still need to engage in an actual, dedicated exercise plan. Regular exercise will help you expend more calories than you consume through food, which is the goal. And adding weight training to build more muscle tissue will help to boost your metabolism over time. But just the act of standing during work will not increase your calorie burn enough to create that important deficit.

However, that doesn’t mean that switching to a standing desk won’t benefit your health. Standing for periods of time throughout the day can increase blood flow and help you to improve your posture. And it will probably prevent aches and pains that often occur from sitting at a desk. You might even feel slightly energized from periods of standing, which is definitely a positive improvement, and could help you to stay motivated.

So yes, switch to a standing desk if the idea appeals to you. But don’t expect a significant difference in your overall calorie burn. For that, we should schedule an appointment to discuss your medical weight loss plan. We can help you determine how many calories you should consume in a day, plan for a healthier, balanced diet, and determine which type of exercise will best help you to achieve your goals.