Unhealthy snacking at workplace can lead to obesity

Image for representational purpose only

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: A new study has revealed that consuming unhealthy snacks could lead to weight gain. The proximity to snacks at workplace tends to elevate the consumption behaviour thus leading to weight gain.

Many companies provide free snacks and beverages to incentivise productivity and boost morale of its employees. However, unhealthy snacking may cause an office obesity epidemic.

The findings showed the proximity of snacks to free beverages increased the consumption rate.

The closer the snacks were placed to the drinks, the more people tended to eat, even a difference of a few feet mattered.

"It was a bit surprising that an extra few feet of distance between snacks and beverages yielded such a significant change in snacking frequency," said lead researcher Ernest Baskin, consumer behaviour expert and professor at Saint Joseph's University in the US.

Also, the snacking behaviour was found more in men as opposed to women.

(With IANS inputs)