The Guardian : Researchers at Exeter University and University College London followed more than 5,000 people over a 16-year period and their findings were published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.
Any stationary posture where energy expenditure is low may be detrimental to health, be it sitting or standing," said Melvyn Hillsdon from Exeter's sport and health sciences department.
"The results cast doubt on the benefits of sit-stand work stations, which employers are increasingly providing to promote healthy working environments."
The research found there was no influence on mortality risk for participants from sitting at work, during leisure time or watching television.
The NHS said on its website in advice published last year that there was "increasing evidence" linking excessive sitting with being obese, type-2 diabetes, some types of cancer, and premature death.
It recommends an active break from sitting every 30 minutes, citing expert Professor Stuart Biddle saying: "Sitting needs breaking up."
"Do some tasks standing, like having coffee and chats, or even writing a letter " Ernest Hemingway wrote his novels standing," he added.