RSS feedsA survey of 1,734 UK workers has found that of all nationwide professions, IT workers are the most inactive, as measured by government activity guidelines advocating half an hour of moderate exercise, five times a week.
Fewer than one in five (19 per cent) meet the government guidelines, and the IT workers also feature highly with respect to the unhealthiest diets.
The survey was conducted by personal training agency Fat Free Fitness -and found that 63 per cent of UK citizens fail to meet the activity guidelines, with the average person in the UK being active for just 90 minutes a week.
Only 14 per cent of IT workers claim to eat five pieces of fruit and vegetables throughout the day, whilst their caffeine intake is the highest nationwide - they drink the caffeine equivalent of 10 cups of coffee a day, two more than the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of eight cups per day (with an estimated caffeine intake of 800mg).
Receptionists, salespeople and checkout operators are just behind IT workers with regard to the activity guidelines, while bricklayers and construction workers topped the survey.
Fat Free Fitness founder Rich Leigh, said there was clearly a correlation between sitting at a desk or wheel all day and how active you’re likely to be.
Leigh pointed out that the government had spent millions last year on obesity and healthy eating campaigns, "but aren’t talking the language of the times. People are leaving gyms and becoming less active and it’s because on the whole, people can’t afford them. Some gyms and health clubs offer larger organisations company membership discounts, but where do the small businesses fit into this?" asked Leigh.
“It’s not that wer're looking for a workforce of 2012 Olympic hopefuls, but we want to ensure that the provisions and opportunities are there for them to both participate in activity and learn about healthy eating," said Leigh.
