According to Reuters, a new study has proven that workplaces that encourage healthy lifestyle practices are linked to less obese employees. Only 17% of young employees in workplaces that promote healthy lifestyles were obese. On the other hand, 24% percent were found obese in workplaces with one or no healthy practice.
According to Allison Watts, lead author from the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, "I have personally experienced a range of workplace environments that I feel have influenced my eating habits and my physical activity, both positively and negatively". In an email she sent to Reuters Health, she mentioned that factors like support from colleagues, lunchtime yoga classes and food availability can influence eating habits and physical activity.
And so, she went to find out for herself it this is true to other young adults. The researchers used data collected from 1,538 sample population in 1998 and 1999. After more than 10 years, the participants were then asked another set of questions.
The average age of participants on the second survey was 25 years old. Most were white and nearly half were from high social and economic backgrounds. The results show that less than half ate at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, 27 percent had at least one sugary drink and 20 percent ate fast food at least three times a week. More than half of them has 2 and half hours of moderate to vigorous exercise per week and takes an active transportation like walking or cycling.
Among the factors the participants reported to the researchers were their typical diets, weekly exercise routines, and specifics about their workplaces and their locations.
High-sugar content snacks and drinks are readily available at the workplace of most of the young adults. According to half of them, it was easy eating healthy and being physically active in their workplace. Less than half worked within a 30-minute walk from home and about half work within a 10-minute walk to a fitness facility. The same ratio, more than half, worked within a 10-minute walk to a fast food restaurant. For participants who have three or more healthy factors, they were less likely to be obese.
"Working young adults are dealing with many stressors such as being pressed for time, juggling personal and work responsibilities, and stretching limited resources," Watts said. "So, many young adults will reach for what is convenient and affordable."
She suggested for workplaces to take into account convenience and what is economical for employees.
