LOS
ANGELES, May 20, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- New research from Lifesum, the leading global
healthy eating platform, reveals that 1 in 6 US employees consider
themselves addicted to ultra-processed food (UPF).
This follows the world's largest review published in the BMJ,
which showed that UPFs are linked to higher risks of cancer, heart
disease, type 2 diabetes, adverse mental health and early
death.
"Introducing informative warning labels on specific
ultra-processed foods can empower individuals to make more
conscious dietary decisions. Additionally, employers can foster
healthier workplace environments by implementing strategies like
nutrition education and promoting access to healthier foods," said
Signe Svanfeldt, lead nutritionist at Lifesum.
UPFs, including snacks, packaged baked goods, sugary cereals,
and ready meals, often lack essential nutrients and are typically
high in added sugar, fat, and salt.
UPF Addiction at Work
Based on a survey of 5,000, the findings reveal that one in six
US employees consider themselves addicted to UPFs. This underscores
the prevalence and severity of UPF addiction within the workplace,
highlighting the need for interventions to address unhealthy eating
habits.
Yes: 16.9%
No: 83.1%
How Often UPFs are Consumed
The vast majority of US employees (85.4%) consume UPFs at least
once a week, with one-fifth (20.5%) consuming UPFs daily.
Daily: 20.5%
Once a week: 17.8%
Twice a week: 24.5%
3-4 times a week: 22.6%
Never: 14.6%
Reasons for Consuming UPFs
Convenience is key, emphasizing the need for employers to
provide accessible healthy meal options and encourage employees to
take time to eat a proper lunch rather than snacking between
meetings. Stress plays a significant role, underscoring the link
between emotional well-being and dietary choices.
Convenience: 32.5%
Stress: 25.8%
Time constraints: 15.2%
Social snaking: 11.5%
Affordability: 9.5%
Personal preference: 5.5%
UPFs and Mood Regulation
74.5% of US employees claim that UPFs had a negative impact on
mood regulation at work, which emphasizes the need to consider the
psychological effects of food choices.
Yes: 74.5%
No: 25.5%
UPFs and Energy Levels
78.6% acknowledged that UPFs had a negative impact on energy
levels at work, which underscores the importance of considering the
nutritional quality of food choices for sustaining energy and
productivity throughout the working day.
Yes: 78.6%
No: 21.4%
UPFs and Cognitive Function
62.3% of US employees acknowledged that UPFs had a negative
impact on their cognitive function at work, which suggests a
growing awareness of the link between diet and brain health.
Yes: 62.3%
No: 37.7%
View original
content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/1-in-6-us-employees-addicted-to-ultra-processed-foods-lifesum-finds-302146295.html
SOURCE Lifesum