It’s been dubbed ‘the new smoking’ but sitting might not be as bad for your health as first feared, according to new research.

Scientists from the University of Exeter and University College London have published a study in the International Journal of Epidemiology which challenges conventional wisdom that prolonged periods of sitting increases the risk of an early death, even if you are otherwise physically active.

The study of more than 5,000 participants over a period of 16 years found that sitting, either at home or at work, is not associated with an increased risk of dying. Instead, the scientists believe that meeting the recommended guidelines for physical activity is far more important for a healthy lifestyle.

“Policymakers should be cautious in recommending a reduction in the time spent sitting without also promoting increased physical activity,” said Dr Melvyn Hillsdon from Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Exeter.

“Our study overturns current thinking on the health risks of sitting and indicates that the problem lies in the absence of movement rather than the time spent sitting itself. Any stationary posture where energy expenditure is low may be detrimental to health, be it sitting or standing.”

Hillsdon added that the results “cast doubt” on the benefits of sit-stand work stations, which employers are increasingly providing to promote healthy working environments – a subject which has attracted several campaigns in recent times.

Sedentary behaviour has frequently been described as “the new smoking,” based on findings from several past studies. Researchers have previously concluded that every hour spent sitting cancels out 30 minutes of exercise, while a five-minute walk every hour has been found to prevent arterial damage in the legs caused by prolonged periods of sitting.

Sedentary behaviour has also been linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancers and poor mental health in the past. The University of Exeter and University College London researchers say their future work will consider the validity of such links and will investigate the biological mechanisms that underpin previously observed associations between sitting time and health outcomes.