Medicash
Written: Thursday, October 15, 2009LAST SUPPER
Chefs have topped a poll of the nation's unhealthiest professions.
Researchers found culinary maestros scoff more junk food and ready meals, smoke more cigarettes and drink more booze than any other workers.
It also emerged that, despite working in a kitchen, the average chef has 12 snacks of crisps, chocolate bars or biscuits each week and at least one ready meal or takeaway.
On top of that they smoke an average of 58 cigarettes per week and neck around eight alcoholic drinks.
Second place went to farmers, who smoke 51 cigarettes a week and chomp their way through one takeaway meal.
Electricians, insurance workers and builders are also among the least healthiest 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.
The statistics emerged in a study of 3,000 workers by leading healthcare cash plan provider Medicash.
Peter Lauris, sales and marketing director for Medicash, said: ''It may be surprising to see chefs at the top of the list, as you would think they are 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.
''So instead, this research shows they are enjoying a diet of junk food and ready meals, and the cigarettes and alcohol on top of that are only adding to their health woes.''
Teachers emerged as second healthiest, followed by those in human resources, then accountants and lawyers.
Researchers found 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. But we exercise just twice a week.
The study also found 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.
Almost one in five even admitted they haven't been for two years or more.
More than a third blamed their absence from the dentist's chair on the cost saying they simply can't afford to go.
Another 24 per cent aren't registered with a dentist and can't find one which will take them.
It's not just our teeth we are neglecting though as a quarter of Brits haven't had their eyes tested for three years or more - a year over the recommended two-year check up period.
And while 31 per cent didn't realise they were meant to get their eyes tested regularly, 12 per cent said they couldn't afford the cost of the test and glasses.
A spokesman for Medicash 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.''
TOP TEN UNHEALTHIEST PROFESSIONS
1. Chef
2. Farmer
3. Electrician
4. Insurance worker
5. Builder
6. Banker
7. Call Centre worker
8. Truck driver
9. Engineer
10. Travel agent
TOP TEN HEALTHIEST PROFESSIONS
1. Ad rep
2. Teacher
3. Human resources assistant
4. Accountant
5. Lawyer
6. Secretary
7. IT worker
8. Researcher
9. Nurse
10. Shop assistant
