DESK-based office employees put on an average of 10 pounds during their first year of employment according to a study by The Co-operative Food.
74 per cent of office workers admit to consuming far more food at work than they ever would do at home.
However, 64 per cent of people point the finger at co-workers for bringing in too many cakes and treats and 14 per cent blame feeling under constant peer pressure to join in when goodies are passed round.
Janet Taylor, Diet and Health Manager for The Co-operative Food, which commissioned the research into office eating habits, said:
“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.”
According to the findings, 24 per cent of us can’t resist the unhealthy snacks brought in to celebrate birthdays and other events, despite the fact six in ten British office workers admit they need to lose weight. In the current working environment most diets only last a total of six days and 74 per cent of office workers admit to consuming far more food at work than they ever would do at home. And here’s why we just can’t stop snacking...
1. 'Snack more at the desk.'
2. 'To pass away the time when bored.'
3. 'Colleagues are constantly bringing in snacks and treats.'
4. 'It is always someone’s birthday so cakes are brought in.'
5. 'Because food is always there and is too tempting.'
6. 'Colleagues talk about food all the time.'
7. 'Colleagues encourage everyone to eat.'
8. 'You actually have more time to eat at work than at home.'
9. 'Meetings over lunch.'
10. 'Eating and drinking after work with the boss or colleagues.'
