Standing desks lower BMI

A recent study has shown that standing desks lower the BMI trajectory in school children over a 2 year span. Twenty four classrooms at three elementary schools in Texas participated in the study. 193 students took part and those with standing desks were compared with those who sat at their desks. The researchers found that those who were standing averaged a 3% drop in BMI, whilst those at normal desks noticed a 2% increase, which was considered normal for that age. Furthermore, there were no significant differences between gender and race, suggesting that this is an effect that is generalised across many demographic groups.

Whilst it is difficult to measure the BMI of children, as they should be gaining weight over time as they grow taller and get older, percentiles can be used to gain a better idea of how that child compares to others. This is what was used in this study, and indeed many other studies that assess BMI in children. The students who were a healthy weight when they began the study remained a healthy weight at the end, suggesting that whilst other children may lose weight by using standing desks, they can also be used in prevention strategies. The researchers are hoping to further this study by performing it on a larger scale.