CHICAGO -- Are your pants a little tighter than usual? Most likely you're a travel agent, attorney or judge. People in those jobs say they're most likely to gain weight on their current job, a new CareerBuilder survey has found.
Overall, 44% of workers surveyed said they have gained weight at their current job, on par with previous studies; 26% gained over 10 pounds and 14% gained over 20 pounds. On the other hand, 16% said they lost weight.
Certain occupations that had a higher incidence of workers reporting weight gain, often tied to more sedentary or high stress positions. Among those most likely to report gaining weight include:
More than half of workers (54%) attributed their weight gain to sitting at their desk most of the day, and 56% stated they eat their lunch there as well. Other culprits causing extra inches around the waist line include:
When asked how often they eat out at work for lunch instead of bringing their meal from home, 53% of workers said they do so at least once a week, 23% at least three times a week and 11% at least five times a week. Just 10% of workers indicated they eat lunch out of the vending machine at least once a week, and 71% said they snack during the workday.
When it comes to exercise routines, 59% said they exercise regularly and 10% don't exercise at all.
"More and more companies are implementing healthy living initiatives in the workplace," said Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder. "Twenty-eight percent of companies provide gym passes, workout facilities or wellness benefits for their employees, but only 10% of workers say they take advantage of the benefit. It's important to tap into those resources to stay healthy and energized and potentially more productive."
In addition to maintaining a regular workout routine throughout the workweek, Haefner recommends the following tips to help push away the extra pounds this summer:
Take the stairs instead of the elevator or stop by a coworker's desk instead of sending an email. Get off at an earlier train stop or bus stop, so you can walk part of the way to the office.
Snacking can seem innocent when done in small bits and pieces, but the extra calories will start to add up quickly. Keep plenty of veggies and fruits in the office fridge so you have a healthier choice on hand.
Bringing your lunch to work helps you better control your portions and also saves you money.
Drink water throughout the day instead of caffeinated drinks or juices. This helps make you feel fuller faster, and cuts down on the calories.
Take daily walks with a coworker, replace your chair with an exercise ball for part of the day, and keep free weights at your desk -- all quick and easy solutions to help stay fit and trim.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.