With The Telegraph reporting ‘the British diet is killing us’, ZAVA medical experts look at the impact our jobs and lifestyles have on what we eat.
An estimated 1.25 million people in the UK are affected by eating disorders, with bingeing the most common. Though hard to identify, experts suggest binge eating is considered a disorder when it happens several times a week (over the course of a few months), causes distress, and negatively affects quality of life. Then there’s employment, which can also have an impact on the food you eat. But why can your job affect your diet – and what can you do to help? The findings below may well be different from what you think.
Stress in the workplace
Thirty-six per cent of UK employees eat for convenience over health when stressed or pressed for time. In fact this is the most common workplace habit, with 37.2% of men and 38.1% of women reporting this. It’s also far more common among workers aged 45-55+, as younger employees (18-44) are likely to eat more than usual to cope with work stress.
Comfort eating
Eating for comfort is also a common response to stress, and work can often trigger it. HR professionals are the most likely to eat for this reason, with 16.5% doing so daily. Those in IT (14.1 times per month) and Arts & Culture (14.1 times per month) also rank among the highest, with around one in eight eating for comfort every day. When it comes to snacks, the education sector are the biggest snackers. Nearly four per cent snack more than four times a day.
Skipping meals and convenience
The findings also show clear differences across industries. Arts & Culture employees are most likely to skip meals under pressure (45.2%). Those in education (42.7%), finance (42.4%), and IT (40.5%) tend to grab convenient – and often unhealthy – options. Notably, finance professionals are most likely to eat more than usual when stressed (40.4%).
The rise of weight-loss medication
Over 60% of Brits have considered using weight loss injections, with retail the most likely. The survey also revealed 77.3% of employees in the legal industry have considered this because of their eating habits. Then there’s seven in 10 employees in HR, IT and telecoms, finance, and Arts & Culture who also answered “yes”.
How to manage the issue
“Humans are motivated by food,” says ZAVA’s medical expert Dr Crystal Wyllie. “However, ‘food noise’ we experience is when we’re not physically hungry, but associate eating with emotions or routine.” Here are four ways you can help manage what you choose to fuel your body with.
1 Practise mindfulness. Reduce work-related stress through mindfulness techniques such as meditation or breathing exercises.
2 Eat balanced meals. While many Brits reach for convenience foods at work, meals rich in fibre, protein, and healthy fats keep you fuller for longer and help curb cravings.
3 Change your environment. Whether you’re at home or in the office, take regular breaks away from your screen and the snack table. Simply being around food can make you feel hungry.
4 Prioritise sleep. Poor sleep has been linked to stronger cravings for high-calorie foods. Establish a calming bedtime routine by limiting screens and caffeine before bed.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet or lifestyle. If you or someone you know might be struggling with an eating disorder, there is support and information available at Beat Eating Disorders, as well as from the NHS.
