Workplace Cited as a New Source of Rise in Obesity

NY Times article: Looking beyond poor eating habits and a couch-potato lifestyle, a group of researchers has found a new culprit in the obesity epidemic: the American workplace.

"Today, an estimated one in three Americans are obese."

"A sweeping review of shifts in the labor force since 1960 suggests that a sizable portion of the national weight gain can be explained by declining physical activity during the workday. Jobs requiring moderate physical activity, which accounted for 50 percent of the labor market in 1960, have plummeted to just 20 percent."

"The remaining 80 percent of jobs, the researchers report, are sedentary or require only light activity. The shift translates to an average decline of 120 to 140 calories a day in physical activity, closely matching the nation’s steady weight gain over the past five decades, according to the report."

"The findings also put pressure on employers to step up workplace heath initiatives and pay more attention to physical activity at work."

Most reader comments weren't buying it citing poor eating habits as the reason for increased waistlines at work. One reader said they cannot believe what people are eating and this is why individuals weigh more than they should.

Full article at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/26/health/nutrition/26fat.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=workplace&st=cse

Comments

[John Juresic, MS,CPCC]

It seems everyone is getting into the work causes weight gain. In a recent article in Fast Company they also noted your job can add to you girth. The article offers some suggestions to help get employees back in shape: "There are a number of ways that employers can help desk workers burn calories.
• Set out exercise ball chairs that encourage employees to do crunches and other ball exercises
•Purchase TrekDesks (a combination desk, treadmill, and exercise ball) or other "active sitting" chairs
•Offer discounted (or free!) gym memberships to nearby spots
•Give employees "recess" time where they are encouraged to go out and be physical. Dodgeball, anyone?"
So, get up and walk over to the copier and burn some calories.