Survey Says Teachers, Engineers & Scientists Most Likely to Gain Weight on the Job

Want to stay svelte on the job? Then stay in media and don't become a scientist, engineer or teacher. Half kidding. Okay, we're taking this a bit to the extreme but as per a survey published by CareerBuilder, professions that involved a high stress level (not saying that we aren't stressed out from time to time here in media) resulted in packing on some pounds. People who worked in a job where they sat at a desk all day also gained weight. Per the study, approximately 41 percent of participants gained weight at their current jobs. Breaking it down even further, 59 percent gained over 10 pounds and 30 percent amassed over 20 pounds. Losing weight is possible on the job since 16 percent of respondents indicated they've lost a few pounds in their current occupation. Overall though gaining weight seems to be the trend. Here are several occupations most likely to gain weight on the job: Administrative assistant, engineer, teacher, nurse practitioner/physician's assistant, IT manager/network administrator, attorney/judge/paralegal, machine operator and scientist. Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder, explained in the press release, “Weight gain at work often comes from a combination of poor eating habits when you’re on the go and not being able to fit a workout into a busy schedule. Two in five workers don’t exercise on a regular basis and one in ten don’t exercise at all." She added, “Whether it’s daily walks with a co-worker or taking advantage of company wellness benefits, it’s important to find a way to stay active.” Want to know the main reasons why people gained weight? The most prevalent reason related to sitting at a desk most of the day. Others ate more as a result of being stressed out on the job and others simply ate out more. Let's not forget about snack machines down the hall, candy jars at a receptionist's desk and various celebrations in the office. Per the survey, more than half of the survey respondents ate out at least once a week instead of packing their lunch. To that point, eight percent mentioned they eat lunch out of the vending machine at least once a week! The survey examined exercise regimens as well. Although more than half of respondents felt they are overweight, three out of five indicated they work out on a regular basis. Almost half of this population works out after work whereas 16 percent works out in the morning hours before the day starts. Eight percent exercises during lunchtime. So, it all boils down to the age old adage: Eat less, move more.

Fishbowl

Survey Says Teachers, Engineers & Scientists Most Likely to Gain Weight on the Job

Vicki Salemi

About

Subscriptions

Events

Publications

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Subscribe today!

Vicki Salemi