Standing desks have gained popularity as a solution for office workers aiming to counter the negative health impacts of prolonged sitting. While marketed as tools for weight loss, improved blood sugar regulation, and reduced back pain, experts remain divided on their actual benefits.

Standing vs. Sitting: The Science

Kévin Desbrosses, a researcher at France’s National Research and Safety Institute (INRS), highlights some advantages of standing over sitting. “Sedentary behavior is defined as sitting or lying down for extended periods with very low energy expenditure,” he told Euronews Health. Desbrosses explained that standing promotes better blood flow and expends more energy, though prolonged standing can also have drawbacks.

A study led by Matthew Ahmadi of the University of Sydney revealed mixed results. “Standing was better than sitting overall, but it wasn’t associated with a significantly lower risk of heart disease,” Ahmadi said. However, extended periods of standing were linked to circulatory problems such as varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis due to blood pooling in the legs.

Another recent study from the University of Turku in Finland found that prolonged standing at work could lead to higher blood pressure, raising further questions about its suitability as a long-term solution.

Movement: The Key to Better Health

Experts agree that incorporating regular movement into daily routines is more effective than simply alternating between sitting and standing. Desbrosses advocates for frequent posture changes, ideally every 30 minutes, using adjustable-height desks as a helpful tool.

Prolonged sitting, research shows, is linked to a range of health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and even depression. Alicia Fillon from the French National Observatory on Physical Activity and Sedentariness explained that sitting too long affects the body’s ability to regulate arterial dilation, leading to oxidative stress and inflammation.

Fillon also noted the cognitive risks of excessive sitting. Studies indicate that it increases the risk of dementia over time, even in individuals who exercise regularly.

Impact on Productivity

A 2019 review of scientific literature found no negative effects on productivity when individuals alternated between sitting and standing. This suggests that integrating movement into the workday doesn’t compromise performance.

The Bottom Line

While standing desks offer some benefits, experts emphasize that they are not a comprehensive solution. Regular movement, including brief walking or stretching breaks, remains the most effective way to combat the health risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle. As research continues, balancing sitting, standing, and movement seems to be the healthiest approach for office workers.

Despite initial setbacks, the use of gene-edited pig organs in transplants is gaining momentum as U.S. researchers work to address a dire shortage of donor organs. Two companies are preparing for the first clinical trials of xenotransplantation in 2025, aiming to use pig kidneys and hearts to save human lives.

A Glimmer of Hope

Interest in pig organ transplants surged following recent experiments, including a successful case at NYU Langone Health in November, where a woman fared well after receiving a pig kidney. While none of the first four patients who received pig organs survived beyond two months, the experiments have provided valuable insights.

Dr. Bartley Griffith, a transplant surgeon at the University of Maryland, emphasized the importance of perseverance, saying, “We have to have the courage to continue.”

High Demand Among Potential Patients

For patients like Alex Berrios of Louisville, Kentucky, the possibility of receiving a pig kidney offers hope. Berrios, who has been on dialysis since 2020 after his first kidney transplant failed, is “highly sensitized,” meaning his immune system would reject another human kidney.

“I think it’s worth the shot,” said Berrios, who has already expressed interest in participating in research trials.

Others, like Carl McNew from Palm Springs, California, are also eager to volunteer. McNew, who previously donated a kidney to his husband, now faces kidney failure himself. He views the opportunity as a chance to contribute to groundbreaking medical advancements.

Rigorous Testing and Research

To ensure safety and effectiveness, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires pig organs to undergo extensive testing in primates before being used in human trials. While researchers have extended the survival of pig organ recipients in baboons for over a year, the ultimate goal is to replicate these results in humans.

Experiments so far have been limited to emergency “compassionate use” transplants for patients with no other options. Despite complications from other diseases, these cases demonstrated that pig organs could function for a short period and highlighted areas for improvement, such as detecting hidden pig viruses.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

The upcoming clinical trials aim to test genetically modified pig organs that are more human-like. Researchers face the challenge of selecting participants who are sick enough to need the transplant but not too ill to survive the procedure.

Dr. Silke Niederhaus, a transplant expert at the University of Maryland, advises patients to carefully consider their options. “If they’re older and dialysis is starting to fail, maybe it’s worth taking the risk,” she said.

Future of Xenotransplantation

The field has much to prove, with researchers under pressure to show that pig organs can sustain life for significantly longer periods. As advancements continue, patients like Berrios and McNew represent the growing hope that xenotransplantation could eventually revolutionize organ donation and save countless lives.