Nation's Unhealthiest Workers Revealed

Chefs have topped a poll of the unhealthiest workers in Britain.

Those who work in the hospitality industry eat more junk food and ready meals, smoke more cigarettes and drink more alcohol than any other profession.

Researchers revealed the average chef has 12 snacks of crisps, chocolate bars or biscuits weekly, and at least one ready meal or takeaway.

On top of that, they smoke an average of 58 cigarettes per week and sup eight alcoholic drinks.

The stats emerged in a study of 3,000 workers by Medicash.

Second place went to farmers, who smoke 51 cigarettes a week and chomp their way through 14 unhealthy snacks.

Electricians, insurance workers and builders are also among the unhealthiest workers in the UK.

Those who work in advertising were found to have the healthiest lifestyle, smoking an average of just nine cigarettes and sipping just six alcoholic drinks a week.

Teachers followed close behind in second place, followed by those in HR, accountants and lawyers.

Peter Lauris, from Medicash, said: "It may be surprising to see chefs at the top of the list, since you would expect them to be in the know when it comes to preparing a nice, healthy meal.

"But in reality, it's probably the last thing they feel like doing when they get home from work. After spending the day in the kitchen for work, I imagine they simply want to put their feet up when they get in at night."

Researchers found that the average Brit enjoys 11 snacks, such as chocolate and crisps, and has one take-away or ready meal a week.

On top of that, the average Brit gets through six alcoholic drinks a week and smokes three cigarettes a day.

We then exercise just twice a week.

The study also found that the nation's lifestyle could be having an effect on our heath with the average Brit suffering from seven different bugs and colds in the past year.

Some have felt so bad, they have paid two trips to the doctors and taken three days off work because they were feeling under the weather.

But it was also revealed that the average adult hasn't been to the dentist for almost nine months, despite check-ups being recommended every six months.

Mr Lauris added: "The study highlights how some people's jobs can have a negative impact on their lifestyle if it results in them eating poorly and drinking and smoking too much.

"For those who work in a sector renowned for unsociable hours they must try to make a conscious effort to be healthy and invest in their health. Healthy people are more happy and productive."

(GK/KMcA)