According to a study, telework would promote bad eating behaviors such as snacking or eating too quickly.
Since 2020, telework has become more and more democratized. It is common for many employees to work two or three days a week from home and go to work the rest of the week. However, this new way of working has turned some habits upside down.
Because of working from home, some temptations are greater. Thus, some people may want to do household chores, watch television more easily… But above all eating habits are disrupted.
First of all, it is easier to snack because the food is freely available and unrestricted. In addition, surveys have revealed that people working from home ate less balanced and faster than at work. And a study commissioned from the Crédoc by the Danone Institute confirms this trend which is not without consequences.
An impact on the conditions of taking the meal, the meal itself and snacking
For two months, the study followed the evolution of the eating habits of 621 volunteers working remotely. The latter had to indicate all their habits related to food. This included the content of their plate, the complexity of the menu, the length of the meal break or even the little extras taken out of the meal.
However, it appears that eating at home “forces” to eat more quickly than at work. In effect, 38% of volunteers said they took less than 20 minutes to eat and relax at midday. However, this figure drops to 18% in the workplace. Beyond the break time, the meal also suffers the consequences of teleworking.
Whether it is to finish faster or save time, many volunteers simplify their lunches. For 40% of those questioned, the meal only includes a main dish. However, the most disturbing concern is snacking.
A study aimed at establishing appropriate recommendations for telework
The researchers found an 8% increase in snacking among respondents. In addition, the food most consumed by these little extras is chocolate for 22% of those concerned.
However, these habits can pose a risk. The lack of physical activity coupled with a simpler and often less balanced diet affects weight and health. And this study could be a springboard to help the French concerned maintain a healthy lifestyle.
For the researchers, “The Institute is taking on this societal subject which will potentially lead to health problems in the population that practices it. Health professionals are wondering about the cardio-metabolic consequences of a poor diet, which will potentially be reinforced when you are teleworking. »