London - If you’re thinking about reaching for another biscuit to get you through the working day, think again.
Eating unhealthy snacks at your desk makes you pile on almost half a stone a year, a survey has revealed.
The waistlines of women suffer the most, with the average female putting on 6lb 3oz (just under three kilograms) – the equivalent of a whole dress size – while men see their weight increase by 5lb 2oz.
Around half of the 2,000 people polled had put on weight in the past 12 months as a result of snacking habits at work.
The report found that, on average, we eat at least two snacks a day. Biscuits are the most common vice, closely followed by chocolate, crisps and cakes.
Office workers were most likely to graze during the day, with 35 percent reaching for treats compared to 14 percent of non-office workers.
The report, by organic bread company The Village Bakery, found 33 percent of people with office jobs rely on nibbles to cope with stress and 22 percent say they need a sugar rush to perk them up in the afternoon.
For one in ten, snacking during the day also sparks an unhealthy domino effect – as they have already blown their diet, they will not eat healthily in the evening.
The research suggests not eating a filling lunch could be the reason we are drawn to sugary and fatty snacks. Nearly half of the British men and women questioned reported not feeling full or satisfied after lunch.
Simon Staddon, from The Village Bakery, said: “We were aware time-poor office workers can find it difficult to easily access a nutritional lunch.
“But we were really shocked by the extent to which quick-fix lunches are affecting weight gain and general well-being.”
Nutritionist Dr Sarah Brewer said: “If people ate a fulfilling lunch in the first place, they’d feel satisfied for longer and wouldn’t reach for snacks.
“Not only would a change in the choice of lunch help prevent weight gain and an evening of regret, it could also help improve energy levels.” - Daily Mail