Snacks and Stress: Is Your Job Making You Fat?

May 31, 2007 (KABC-TV) (KABC) -- Is work making you fat? Vending machines, morning bagels, cookies, cakes, candy -- many complain that work is contributing to their growing girth. But more than food choices, experts point out that stress is packing on the pounds. Now there may be some solutions to this weighty problem.

Cubicle to corner office, many blame their weight gain on work.

Gabriel Lopez, stressed at work: "Sometimes when the stress level gets really bad, I sort of float towards the vending machine and sort of look in there."

Sherry Foldvary, stress eater: "People seem to like to have snacks around, so every time you go somewhere there's food."

According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, 60-percent working sedentary jobs complain its work that makes them fat.

Ruth Pupo, RD, White Memorial Hospital: "I think they're concerned with the fact they may be sitting a lot, but also they may be concerned with their co-workers bringing in a lot of goodies and snacks, and also going out to eat."

Chained to a desk, often under deadline, many cite stress as the biggest challenge.

Dr. Lisa Matzer, Cardiologist, Glendale Adventist Hosp.: "It's very hard to diet when you're stressed out of your mind. We release stress hormones. What do stress hormones do? They create this craving for sugar, salt and fat -- destroys every diet and we gain weight."

Since stress creates feelings of exhaustion, cardiologist Dr. Lisa Matzer says workers turn to food for comfort.

A Penn State University study found sound is a trigger to binge. Turns out women who were unable to control loud noise ate twice as many calories as those who could. If noise is abundant, consider wearing an iPod featuring your favorite music.

Since stress is constant -- as well as an abundance of treats -- experts say you need a plan to stay on track.

• Buy pre-portioned treats at the start of the week to enjoy a sensible snack when others are indulging.

   

• Change out sweets for heart-healthy nuts that take time to eat.

 

• Keep water handy as a calorie-free way to keep hands busy and the body hydrated.

   

• No matter how tired you think you are, a bit of activity will do more than just burn calories.

Dr. Lisa Matzer: "I say go for a short walk and clear your head. You're stress hormones will drop, you won't feel hungry, and you'll sleep a lot better."