Nutritionist says desk work slows metabolism even with regular exercise

Sitting at a desk for long hours slows metabolism even in people who eat well and exercise regularly, according to Daria Khaykina, a nutritionist at SM-Clinic.

She said prolonged sitting reduces muscle activity, lowers calorie expenditure and insulin sensitivity, and prompts the body to store excess energy. Circulation worsens, oxygen delivery to tissues slows, and fat-breaking enzymes become less active, she added.

Khaykina recommended standing up and stretching every 30–40 minutes, drinking water evenly throughout the day, and taking the stairs instead of the elevator. “The key is not to expect an evening workout to compensate for eight hours in a chair. Metabolism stays active only when movement is built into every hour,” she said