Office Culture Can Contribute to Overweight and Obesity

If you work in an office you’ll want to pay attention to this.

According to a recent study conducted by the Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some office workers consume an over 1,000 calories per week from food obtained in the office (not including the food they brought from home or ordered from take out). A quarter of the study participants racked up close to 1,300 calories in a week. An extra 1,300 per week can contribute to nearly a 20 pound weight gain in a year.

The study looked at over 5,000 workers from across the country, and food they bought at vending machines or in a cafeteria, or food they got for free at work (think social events or meetings). A significant portion of the calories came from unhealthy fats and high sugar foods. Seventy percent of the calories were from foods workers got for free.

Since this food was obtained at work, employers and the community within the offices have a hand in what foods are available for office workers to choose from. Hopefully, the findings can be used to encourage offices to make changes in their offerings and encourage worksite wellness programs. Simple changes like offering fruit instead of cookies, or a meat and cheese platter instead of a hero can help to reduce the amount of calories offered at work events and contribute to an overall reduction in calories. By reducing the amount of calories consumed, weight gain can be prevented, contributing to a reduced risk of becoming overweight or obese. In the end, that’s better for both the office workers and the office.

If you have had gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or lap band surgery and you work in an office that often has food available, you’ll want to have a plan to avoid overeating. Some food offered may fall in line with your post bariatric surgery diet, but avoid eating them in addition to food you brought from home to eat for meals or snacks. If the foods offered don’t easily fit into your bariatric diet, do your best to politely decline or bring your own food to the meeting. Find what works for you in your office environment, and remember that even free food has calories!

This information is offered by Dr. Shillingford, MD, PA, a board certified surgeon specializing in advanced laparoscopic and weight loss surgery. Dr. Shillingford’s reputation for his surgical skills and comfortable bedside manner in addition to his status at the Medical Director of Northwest Medical Center’s Center of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery attract gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and gastric band patients from all over Florida. From Miami, Orlando, to Jacksonville, Floridians are flocking to Dr. Shillingford’s Boca Raton office for their bariatric surgery. To schedule a free informational session to learn more about gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or lap band surgery, call Dr. Shillingford’s office at (561) 483-8840.