A nationwide survey of 2,000 Brits across dozens of occupations by an online pharmacy has found that estate agency workers topped the list for unhealthiness with more than a third blaming workplace snacking for their weight issues.

Constant cravings

In joint second place after estate agency, at 33%, were firefighters and broadcasters, who also said that workplace snacking was a major weight loss barrier for them.

And a quarter (27%) of taxi and lorry drivers said the same thing. They also all told the survey team that a lack of time to cook was a big factor in their inability to lose weight.

And, according to the data, constant cravings, mental health or motivation, and the cost of healthy eating and exercise were yet more big weight loss barriers.

Invest in workplace wellbeing by encouraging employees to stand up, stretch and move more.”

Jones, who works at Oxford Online Pharmacy, advises: “It’s not always easy to eat when constantly moving from place to place or working inflexible hours, and irregular eating patterns can have an impact on mood and energy levels.

“Encourage workers to set their own break times where they can eat in peace between jobs. Weight gain may affect employee well-being, which can be a catalyst for loss of productivity. Therefore, it’s in employers’ best interest to encourage healthy lifestyles.

“Invest in workplace wellbeing by encouraging employees to stand up, stretch and move more. This could be something as simple as introducing walking meetings, or short wellbeing breaks to deter stress-induced snacking.

“Workplaces should also ensure employees are aware of any support services that are available to them in and outside of the workplace, for their mental or physical health. And if they want additional support with their weight loss, allow them time during working hours to consult with a GP or specialist.”