Ok, really, its all of those things. According to a recent CareerBuilder.com survey, forty-nine percent of workers say they have gained weight at their current jobs.

Computer desk jobs can be particularly hazardous for putting on extra pounds. Twenty-eight percent of office workers report they have gained more than ten pounds and 13% say they have gained more than 20 pounds while at their present jobs. Comparing genders, 53% of women over 42% of men say they have gained weight at their current jobs.

The biggest factor in office weight gain is food. Too many workers are not taking food matters into their own hands. Instead of making healthy choices, they often turn to fast food and vending machines for sustenance. Fifty-eight percent of the workers surveyed say they eat out at work for lunch at least once a week, with more than one-in-ten eating out five times a week for lunch.

Thirteen percent of workers admit to not even leaving the building and opting for the vending machine. This is a  double whammy for them with the lack of exercise and unhealthy food.

So what to do! How can you make better lifestyle choices when trapped at a desk all day? Here are some great workplace health tips:

• Drink and be merry — A hydrated body feels better. Keep a bottle of water at your desk and drink it throughout the day.
  Brown-bag it — take a few extra minutes to pack your lunch.  You can bring healthier choices and lessen the strain on your wallet.
• Move! — Feeling sleepy? Instead of having another cup of coffee, take 10 or 15 minutes and go for a walk. Getting your blood flowing will perk you up.
  Indulge sparingly — let’s face it, sometimes dessert, fast food, or that huge caramel cappuccino is just ends up being all you get that day.  The key is everything in moderation. Instead of eating out every day, limit yourself to once a week instead.

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Entry was posted on Wednesday, October 10th, 2007 at 12:04 pm under Health.

Read more entries by Ema Kwiatkowski.
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