Poor diet and body weight affect how well we
work
28 Nov 2005
A poor diet and how much a person weighs affects how well they work according to
new research from health charity DPP (Developing Patient Partnerships).
Results from interviews with 1124 workers showed that well over half (57%) admit
to thinking that how heavy you are affects how well you work, whilst the
majority (70%) think that the type of food you eat also has an impact on the
quality of work you produce. Over 18 million lost working days each year can be
attributed to obesity*.
The results showed that six out of ten (62%) workers blame eating badly at work
for weight gain with five out of ten (54%) indicating that lack of time and work
stress make it difficult for them to get motivated to eat healthily.
Rock bottom energy levels mean that nearly half (49%) of people surveyed are
struggling to get through their working day - which could explain why over a
quarter (26%) of workers think afternoon naps should be allowed!
This research suggests that educating people about healthy eating options and
motivating them to become more active could have a significant impact on
personal health and well-being as well as companies' productivity levels.
Launching its' 'Working your way to a fitter day' campaign, DPP is working
closely with health professionals and employers to ensure that people have
access to advice about how to better manage their diet and activity levels both
inside and out of the workplace.
Commenting on the campaign, DPP spokesman Dr Andrew Thomson said: “There is so
much that individuals can do to help improve their health and energy levels and
small steps can make an enormous difference.
“Ensuring people have access to information in the workplace, as well as from
health professionals, about how to incorporate healthy changes into their lives
is the first step in helping them to make the changes they want to make.”
Dr Barbara Kneale, Occupational Health Physician from Peugeot-Citroën
recognises the importance of good diet and activity levels for workers:
"Obesity costs employers money through ill health and sickness absence
which means they need to harness opportunities to help their employees to be
healthy. Initiatives offering information such as DPP's 'Working your way to a
fitter day' campaign and improved access to healthy options at work will go a
long way to achieving a fitter, happier and more motivated work force."
National Obesity Forum President, Dr Ian Campbell supports the initiative
saying: “Jamie Oliver has highlighted the positive affects that healthy eating
has on children during their day at school - we now need to ensure that this
principle is applied to the workplace. Employers have enormous potential to gain
from creating an environment which helps workers achieve healthier lifestyles
and make healthy choices."
*National Audit Office: Tackling Obesity in England. 2001.
ICM Research interviewed a random sample of 1124 working adults aged 18+ by
telephone between 30th September - 6th October 2005. Interviews were conducted
across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all
adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
Further information at ICM
Research.
DPP: Developing Patient Partnerships (formerly Doctor Patient Partnership) is a
health education charity working with primary care organizations and the public
to make the most of health services and help people manage their health by
improving health knowledge and communication. www.dpp.org.uk
Click
here for regional statistics (PDF)
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