Take the load on your feet

Besides, when people sit for long hours, especially when they are under stress, the endocrine system is also under stress and will produce "bad" hormones that can lead to fat accumulation and blood vessels inflammation, Guo says. "You cannot stay motionless and stay healthy."

Guo warns that either standing or sitting, if done for too long, is harmful. One method to avoid stress and injury caused by remaining too long in one position, Guo suggests, is sitting on a yoga ball.

Shen Yiren, a marketing staff member in a Shenzhen-based company, has been sitting on yoga balls while working since late 2011.

He used to feel discomfort in his neck and waist, as well as his shoulders, but now those problems have minimized, Shen says.

The yoga-ball option, he says, is more convenient than standing up, and because of the ball's instability, your awareness is elevated.

"It usually is hard to remember to stand up or take a stroll, especially when you are so busy with work," Shen says. "With a yoga ball, there is no such problem."

Guo also warns it is not wise to sit on a yoga ball during intensive work, because absence of mind may bring about accidents and injury.

While some people have become aware of the health risks posed by sitting long hours at work, for most people, the practice seems justified and still dominates in China.

Samson Mo, a Chinese-Canadian working in Shanghai, says he has planned to use a standing desk, but failed to get one in a fitness-equipment store. In his hometown of Vancouver, standing desks and treadmills had already become quite popular in offices as early as in 2007, Mo says.

Options in China are limited, as most people find it natural or convenient to sit for extended hours day after day.

Meng Qingguang, the IT company founder, says when he wanted to buy a standing desk, he found the options either too pricey or of bad quality.

Instead, Meng positions a small table on his working desk, and when he wants to stand up, he puts the computer onto the small table.

"I just hope more people and companies in China will realize the fact that sitting too long is bad, and it is time to change," he says.

Related: Office workers urged to move