Lawyers, Police Officers, Teachers More Likely to Be Overweight

If you’re an office assistant, waiter, nurse, lawyer, police officer, teacher, or factory worker, then you are predisposed to gain weight, according to a recent study of the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Researchers examined on-the-job physical activity for ten common occupations.

Most people are not aware of their time spent moving during a normal day. ACE researchers wanted to encourage them to move more.

All participants were assigned a basic pedometer and had to wear it during work hours for three consecutive days. The subjects went to work as usual. They were asked to complete a daily log recording to the total walked distance, number of steps taken, and a summary with the duties they performed on that day.

Secretaries, police officers, teachers, and lawyers walk fewer steps and less distance toward other jobs. Secretaries were found to walk only an average of 1.7 miles daily. Mail carriers and custodians accumulated a lot more daily mileage. Mail carriers held the first place on the list with almost 8 miles, which is almost double the Shape Up America ‘s minimum recommendation.

Workplace physical activity varies considerable among most occupations, showed the study.

For typical office workers, even small lifestyle adjustments may lead to increased physical activity. Going for a walk at lunch, taking the stairs rather than the elevator, walking the course rather using a car, doing small jobs like delivering documents or messages to someone in person rather than sending them through somebody else or by email or phone, could really help.

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