Diet and health
People are blaming their co-workers for bringing temptation to them as they try and shift the weight.
Desk-based office employees put on an average of 10 pounds during their first year of employment, found the new study.
But rather than taking responsibility for their own weight gain, 64 per cent of people point the finger at co-workers for bringing in too many cakes and treats.
Janet Taylor, Diet and Health Manager for The Co-operative Food, which commissioned the research into office eating habits, commented: “The office appears to be a ‘no go area’ for people trying to stick to a healthier diet, with boredom levels and the temptation to snack on unhealthy foods from ‘diet saboteurs’ causing colleagues to pile on the pounds.
“Interestingly, those admitting they need to lose those workplace wobbly bits, say they only manage to stick to a diet or healthy eating plan for six days before caving in to the cakes, chocolates and treats brought in by colleagues.”
We may be out of the school yard, but peer pressure has been cited as reason to join in when the treats are being passed around.
And 24 per cent can’t resist the unhealthy snacks brought in to celebrate birthdays and other events.
As such, on average, office workers will succumb to their first sweet snack by 10:04am and continue to munch their way through the rest of the day.
Astonishingly, six in 10 British office workers admit they DO need to lose weight - but in the current working environment most only last a total of six days on a diet before cracking under pressure.
The study shows 74 per cent of office workers admit to consuming far more food at work than they ever would do at home.
And 73 per cent of office workers believe the sedentary nature of their job has led to them putting on weight.
Chocolate is the biggest temptation for bored office workers, closely following by crisps, biscuits and cake.
Janet Taylor continues: “By following a few simple tips, you can turn your office environment from an unhealthy food den of despair to a fresh and healthy haven. Swapping a packet of biscuits for a platter of fresh fruit will help meet your five-a-day target, and having healthy alternatives, such as carrot sticks or rice cakes, close to hand will help you ward off temptation from the office ‘feeders’, intent on tempting you with unhealthy treats.”
“If all else fails, escaping the office at lunchtime for a brisk walk will put you out of harm’s way, as well as breaking up your day and burning off calories.”
She added: “There’s nothing wrong with the occasional treat, but a balanced diet, with plenty of exercise, is the best way to stay in shape and ward off those office-induced pounds.”
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