Starting a new job is never easy, the first six months to a year are essentially getting to know the processes and where you fit in, in a company. It takes a lot of brain power and can cause a lot of stress. So it isn’t surprising that new employees can gain up to half a stone when starting a new job.
Millions of office workers pile on the pounds during their first year in a new job, according to a study. Researchers found the average employee puts on just under half a stone in their first year after changing roles.
One fifth blame their colleagues for their expanding waistlines, while one in 10 claim the boss is responsible. Six in 10 admit their sedentary lifestyle, sitting at a desk for eight hours a day, has contributed to their weight gain.
More than half said they find it impossible to resist biscuits, sweets and cakes brought in by colleagues. One in six said the only way they would have any success with a new diet would be if fellow workers joined them on their health quest.
Dr Emma Derbyshire, a registered public health nutritionist speaking on behalf of Seasonal Berries, said: โWhen we are at work and energy levels are low there is a tendency to reach for biscuits or chocolate for a quick energy rush. However, our blood sugar levels will soon plunge back. Opting for fruits that are naturally sweet such as blueberries or raspberries that are easy to eat in the office will do us far more good in the long run.
โThese are a natural source of energy without the free sugars of biscuits or chocolate whilst also providing a good dose of antioxidants and fibre.โ
Birthday cakes in the office, free lunches or breakfasts from employers and a vending machine in the office are all held responsible for office workers gaining weight. While 17 per cent of people polled said working near to a fast food restaurant doesnโt help their bid to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Six in 10 find it impossible to resist naughty food when theyโre being offered around the office.
The findings show pressures at work also lead workers to reach for treats such as chocolate, biscuits or cakes โ with 34 per cent admitting theyโre more likely to give in to temptation on a busy day, while 54 per cent will eat unhealthily if theyโre feeling stressed.
That โFriday feelingโ leads 27 per cent to eat badly, while 26 per cent donโt watch what theyโre eating if theyโre bored.
The study shows the average office worker reaches for treats just three hours into the normal working day.
Almost a quarter of workers said when they do diet, their colleagues donโt encourage them, and 38 per cent said keeping trim is hard when you have a boss who is overly generous with treats.
Drย Derbyshire for Seasonal Berries, who carried out the study via OnePoll.com, said: โOffice lifestyles can be tough on our waistlines. Drinking water, keeping a daily log of foods and drinks eaten and having some healthy snacks to hand such as vegetable sticks, nuts or berries can all help.
โWhether in schools, parties or in the office when bringing in treats we shouldnโt immediately turn to biscuits, chocolate and sweets. A punnet of berries can be just as tasty without contributing to excess calories.โ
Top 10 reasons for weight gain at work:
1. Sitting at the desk for a long time
2. Stress / having a busy day at work
3. Boredom
4. Feeling tired
5. Being too tired to exercise
6. Too many offers of free cake and biscuits from colleagues
7. Not having time to exercise
8. Bad weather outside
9. Long hours resulting in late or unusual meal times
10. Always buying lunch for work instead of homemade lunches
