Article content

Chances are most of us have heard the claim at some point, maybe from a friend or maybe from something we saw on the Internet.

Sitting is just as bad for your health — and perhaps even more dangerous — as smoking.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Sitting is the new smoking? Not even close, Athabasca University-led study finds Back to video

Versions of the idea have circulated in the media in recent years, while companies have used it to sell products touted to encourage a more active lifestyle.

The problem is, the claim is very much like a cloud of cigarette smoke — largely without substance, yet still toxic when it spreads around.

That’s according to an Athabasca University-led research team that delved into all the latest medical studies to determine the relative risks posed by both sitting and smoking.

What they found is that the two activities, while both unhealthy, aren’t even close in the dangers they present.

“Sitting too long is not good for you,” said project leader Jeff Vallance, Canada Research Chair in health promotion and chronic disease management.