On Tuesday, scientists revealed that sitting around all day could put a person at a risk of developing lifestyle-related diseases, even if there is a regular dose of moderate or vigorous exercise.

The health benefits offered by "pulse-quickening" exercises are very well known, and these keep heart diseases, diabetes and obesity at bay, in addition to many other problems.

Recent findings have, however, suggested that sitting down for extended periods of time could be, on its very own, be a reason for developing the same conditions.

"Sedentary time should be defined as muscular inactivity rather than the absence of exercise. We need to consider that we are dealing with two distinct behaviors and their effects", noted the team of Swedish researchers.

The study was carried out at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, and was led by Elin Ekblom-Bak.

Details of the study have been published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.