The Results Are In: Weight Gain Top Health Pitfall of Desk Jobs

Image of businessman in suit raising dumbbell. Tax burden conceptIn February, we asked our readers how their desk jobs have affected their health and the results reveal the top three side effects to a sedentary office life are weight gain (24%), neck/back pain (18%), and reduced energy levels (13%).

The rest of the results reported:

  • Eye strain/headaches from computer screens (9%)
  • Hip/joint pain (8%)
  • Decreased flexibility (7%)
  • Increased levels of stress and anxiety (6%)
  • Poor circulation in legs (5%)
  • Excessive snacking/fast food (4%)
  • Ongoing wrist pain/carpal tunnel (3%)

Only 1% of respondents said their desk job had no effect on their health, while several submitted their own thoughts by selecting the “other” option, including:

  • Deep vein thrombosis and blood clots from not moving around enough
  • Decreased vision acuity from looking at a computer screen all day
  • Elbow/tendonitis
  • Blood sugar problems
  • I improved my health by consistently standing, building positive posture

Move Your Body

Although your office may not be the most conducive environment to knock out a full-body workout, there are many simple movements you can do in a small space to help keep your body moving and your health in order. Check out this video from Forbes to learn how to do 10 quick and easy exercises at your desk throughout the day.

What are some ways you stay active at work? Let us know in the comments section below.

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2 Responses to The Results Are In: Weight Gain Top Health Pitfall of Desk Jobs

  1. Jean Houlding March 22, 2017 at 1:48 pm #

    A standing desk really helps – especially if you can alternate standing and sitting periods. Move around a bit while standing for leg and back relief and a bit of exercise.

  2. Vera Bradley sale April 16, 2017 at 9:28 pm #

    In the past, we’ve made exceptions for novelty teams made up of entirely one pokemon (all Stunfisk, all Shuckle) because they’re fun and, frankly, kind of hilarious, and people haven’t abused them.

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