Living a sedentary life is unhealthy. We know that living a life behind a desk isn’t good for our waistline or energy level. A recent study has shown that spending most of our lives seated can have serious consequences on our health.

Living a sedentary life can lead to heart disease and diabetes. It can also upset your sleep cycles, mental health and end up shortening your life.

Researchers from Toronto have been studying the effects of long-term sedentary behavior and have come up with some startling conclusions. Prolonged sitting, or sitting for eight to 12 hours a day, can lead to the development of Type 2 diabetes. Research shows that prolonged sitting increases the chance of developing diabetes by 90 percent.

Prolonged sitting can also effect how we function daily. Tightness in the legs and back is a direct result from sitting too long. This can go on to affect one’s ability to exercise and sleep.

The most startling finding is that sitting down actually increases the size of your bum. A recent study on cell cultures has shown that the weight of your body on fat cells causes them to create twice as much fat than when you’re standing. Fat cells also produce more triglycerides, which can increase your chance for stroke.

While we can’t help how long we have to study or work, we can combat our sedentary lifestyle by taking a lap around the office or the library, taking a break and giving our bodies a chance to move. Walking while on the phone instead of sitting and jumping up to grab some water during a commercial break are other ways to keep moving.