Office Weight Gain

Self Magazine

SELF staff


CN Digital Studio
CN Digital Studio

SELF's on-call medical advisor gets to the bottom of all your big health questions.

I've gone up a dress size at my new job. Is this like a work-related freshman 15?! -Clara C., Austin, Texas

See more: Lose 2 Pounds a Week!


Dr. Lodge Any change in routine, including starting a new gig, can lead to weight gain. Consider what's different: Maybe you're "treating" stress with chocolate, or your new coworkers love bringing in doughnuts to share, or your longer commute is messing with your workout schedule. Something is making you take in more calories than you're burning. The great thing is, you've noticed already-you have time to get rid of that weight and get back on track before your body becomes too comfortable in those new bad habits and extra pounds. Start by bringing plenty of healthy food to work-a banana for a snack, turkey on whole-grain bread for lunch-so you won't be tempted by office goodies or too sluggish to make it to the gym. Take plenty of strolls around the cubicles to fight off desk-chair butt. And if you think work stress is the culprit, spend five minutes at the end of the workday writing the next day's to-do list before going home, and then leave those worries at the office. Trust me-they'll still be there tomorrow, so focus on relaxing for now.

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