Leeds boffins study FIDGETING... and conclude it’s good for you

A study, published today in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, has shown that an increased risk of death from sitting for long periods was only found in those who consider themselves very occasional fidgeters. Researchers found no increase in risk from longer sitting times, compared to more active women, in those who considered themselves as moderately or very fidgety.

The research, co-led by the University of Leeds and University College London, examined data from the University of Leeds’ UK Women’s Cohort Study, which gathered information on a wide range of eating patterns of more than 35,000 women aged 35 to 69 in the UK.

A follow-up survey sent to the same women, which included questions on health, activity levels and fidgeting, was responded to by over 14,000 people.

Study co-lead author Dr Gareth Hagger-Johnson, from UCL, said: “Our results support the suggestion that it’s best to avoid sitting still for long periods of time, and even fidgeting may offer enough of a break to make a difference.”

The study builds on evidence suggesting sedentary lifestyles are unhealthy.