Think you need to spend hours at the gym, huffing and puffing, to lose weight? Think again. New research shows even small amounts of activity can boost your ability to lose weight, control your blood sugar, and combat diabetes.

Case in point: Fidgeting.

A surprising new study has found that simply tapping your foot, drumming your fingers, or shifting in your office chair is actually be healthy for you and can help you shed pounds.

British researchers who tracked more than 14,000 women found those who spent a lot of time sitting, but were either “moderately or very fidgety” had a risk of early death than those who tended to sit still.

What’s more, the researchers, from University College London, found fidgeters had a risk of death that was roughly equal to that of women who engaged in a lot of exercise.

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