Is it true that sitting all day is as dangerous as smoking?

There is bad news for those who work in offices. A new study shows that sitting for eight hours per day can be as dangerous as obesity and even smoking.

But there is something that can be done to overcome the damage, namely by exercising or just moving for an hour per day.

The new research comes after scientists analyzed data from more than a million people, involving much of the previous research done on this topic.

As reported by the Natural Society, it was found that sitting all day can contribute to cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and even premature death.

It found that it takes 60-75 minutes per day of moderate-intensity exercise to inhibit everyday breakdowns between prolonged sitting. Doing so actually dramatically reduces the risk of premature death and a variety of other risk factors.

"We can't stress enough the importance of exercise, whether it's out for a lunch break, a morning walk or a bike ride to work," Ulf Ekelund, author of the Norwegian School of Sports Sciences.

Lars Bo Andersen, in the journal Lancet, agrees with the assessment. He says other problems also affect health, not just sitting for eight hours a day alone.

"A lot of people don't just watch television, they also eat fatty snacks." he said.

This study may also be sufficient to suggest that the World Health Organization or WHO recommendation of 30 minutes of exercise a day may not be sufficient to counteract the involuntary damage to a person's body.

"Our message is positive: it's possible to reduce or even eliminate this risk if we're moderately active, without even having to work out or go to the gym," Ekelund adds.

Although only 25 percent of the people in the study actually exercised 60 minutes or more per day, Ekelund says you can adjust to exercising by cycling or walking to work or walking during your work day.

While a Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, a preventive cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, who was not involved in the study, approved the study.

“I love this research because it really shows that we can do something. There are many people involved. It shows how relevant practice exists in our lives,” concluded Steinbaum.

“This is no longer a leisure activity, and this is not just a treatment for exercise, it is not an option not to exercise. It's something we have to incorporate into our lives."