The ‘obesity epidemic’: Tips to stay healthy while working from home

Remote and hybrid working have been great enablers of mental wellbeing for many workers. However, statistics show that our physical wellbeing has suffered, prompting the need to turn unhealthy habits around.

A sedentary lifestyle

The pandemic resulted in a massive increase in work-from-home arrangements. The consequence of this, according to Worldhealth.net, is a rise in working adults conforming to a sedentary lifestyle.

“Without the structure and routine of a traditional office environment, older adults may find themselves sitting for prolonged periods, leading to decreased physical activity and increased calorie intake,” said Worldhealth.net.

“Remote workers reported significantly more sedentary behaviour, compared to office-based workers. Furthermore, older adults may also be at a higher risk of stress eating, which can lead to weight gain. The stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic, coupled with the isolation and lack of social support that often comes with remote work, can lead to emotional eating and an increased intake of high-calorie foods.”

These behaviours are reportedly resulting in more unhealthy workers, leading to weight gain and obesity. According to health and wellness expert Dr Vincent, we’re amid an ‘obesity epidemic’, and working from home is creating it.

How to remain healthy while working from home

Staying healthy while cooped up in the house can prove to be a challenge. To assist in keeping workers healthy, Dr Vincent encourages people to remain active, even while sitting at home.

“Incidental exercise is one of the most important forms of calorie loss. Incidental activity is any activity built up in small amounts over the course of the day. Physical activity is a major factor in preventing and reducing the risk of many health conditions. It is also important for weight loss,” said Dr Vincent.

Chairobics

“Low-impact exercise is one of the most beneficial forms of exercise you can do. It reduces pressure on your joints and encourages you to use gravity and your imagination to achieve movement,” explained Dr Vincent.

“Doing 30 minutes per day of chairobics will not only see you building up a sweat, it will also burn off calories at a sustained rate. Chairobics is simple. Whether you are sitting at your desk, or at the table, find a robust chair with back support that you can use as your apparatus.”

Cleanrobics

He continued: “Cleaning the house is boring, but you can make it work for you by becoming part of your low-impact exercise regime. When vacuuming, do lunges. These are a great way to give your legs a good workout. Start with a few and gradually increase so that you are doing at least 50 on each leg. When washing up dishes at the sink, do calf raises.

“When putting pots and pans away in the cupboards, use the items to undertake pot curls and arm lifts. You will be surprised how many calories you can burn [by] simply putting these common cooking items to good use.”

Dance around the house

“Yes, dance. Put some music on while you are cooking dinner, ironing or putting the kids’ toys away. The kids will love it, and so will your dog. Get energetic and bust some moves. Wiggle your hips and wave your arms around. Dance like no one is watching,” he outlined.

“Try and dance to a few songs, up to 10 minutes. This will ignite your core and get your metabolism going. It will also work your muscles and joints in a low-impact way.”

Help your metabolism

“Make sure you are supporting your health and wellness with good, clean food such as green vegetables and lean white meats. Add a good quality multivitamin, fish oil and activated phenolics to your daily regime. Activated phenolics are the most powerful natural antioxidants in the world, and they protect cellular health and reduce the capacity for free radicals to damage your body,” concluded Dr Vincent.