Los Angeles, Ca. May 2024—New research from Lifesum, the leading global healthy eating platform, reveals that 1 in 6 US employees consider themselves addicted to ultra-processed food (UPF).
This follows the world’s largest review published in the BMJ, which showed that UPFs are linked to higher risks of cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, adverse mental health and early death.
“Our research highlights the prevalence and impact of ultra-processed food addiction on employee health. Introducing informative warning labels on specific ultra-processed foods can empower individuals to make more conscious dietary decisions. Additionally, employers can foster healthier workplace environments by implementing strategies like nutrition education, promoting access to healthier foods, and offering support for dietary improvements," said Signe Svanfeldt, lead nutritionist at Lifesum.
UPFs, including snacks, packaged baked goods, sugary cereals, and ready meals, often lack essential nutrients and are typically high in added sugar, fat, and salt.
Ultra-Processed Food Addiction at Work
Based on a survey of 5,000, the findings reveal that one in six US employees consider themselves addicted to UPFs. This underscores the prevalence and severity of UPF addiction within the workplace, highlighting the need for interventions to address unhealthy eating habits.
Yes 16.9%
No 83.1%
How Often Ultra-Processed Foods are Consumed
The research highlights the widespread consumption of UPFs at work with the vast majority of US employees (85.4%) consuming UPFs at least once a week, with one-fifth (20.5%) consuming UPFs daily.
Daily 20.5%
Once a week 17.8%
Twice a week 24.5%
3-4 times a week 22.6%
Never 14.6%
Reasons for Consuming Ultra-Processed Foods
The survey highlights various drivers of UPF consumption at work. Convenience is key, emphasizing the need for employers to provide accessible healthy meal options and encourage employees to take time to eat a proper lunch rather than snacking between meetings. Stress plays a significant role, underscoring the link between emotional well-being and dietary choices. Affordability also influences food decisions, reflecting socioeconomic factors.
Convenience 32.5%
Stress 25.8%
Time constraints 15.2%
Social snaking 11.5%
Affordability 9.5%
Personal preference 5.5%
Ultra Processed Foods and Mood Regulation
The overwhelming majority of US employees (74.5%) claim that UPFs had a negative impact on mood regulation at work, which emphasizes the need to consider the psychological effects of food choices, particularly in the context of mental health.
Yes 74.5%
No 25.5%
Ultra Processed Foods and Energy Levels
The substantial majority of US employees (78.6%) acknowledged that UPFs had a negative impact on energy levels at work, which suggests a widespread recognition of how diet influences vitality. This finding underscores the importance of considering the nutritional quality of food choices for sustaining energy and productivity throughout the working day.
Yes 78.6%
No 21.4%
Ultra Processed Foods and Cognitive Function
Almost two-thirds (62.3%) of US employees acknowledged that UPFs had a negative impact on their cognitive function at work, which suggests a growing awareness of the link between diet and brain health.
Yes 62.3%
No 37.7%
Accessibility of Ultra Processed Foods in the Workplace
Over two-thirds of US employees (70.6%) reported that employers made UPFs readily available in the workplace, which indicates a widespread prevalence.
Yes 70.6%
No 29.4%
“Our research underscores the severity of ultra-processed food addiction in the workplace and its impact on employee health, both physically and mentally. These foods can lead to a variety of health issues such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and even certain types of cancer. Employers should prioritize promoting healthier eating habits to counter these effects and enhance employee well-being,” said Signe.
Strategies to help employees avoid UPFs at work
Signe has offered five effective strategies to help employees avoid UPFs at work:
Five easy and practical ways to reduce your intake of UPFs
Signe has offered five easy and practical ways to reduce your intake of UPFs:
Media Enquiries
Signe Svanfeldt, lead nutritionist at Lifesum, is available for an interview.
Media contact: Harry Cymbler, Hot Cherry PR, harry@hotcherry.co.uk
About Lifesum
Lifesum is the leading global healthy eating platform that empowers people to make smarter food choices and build sustainable eating habits, whether you want to reach a healthy weight or improve your long-term health. With a holistic approach to wellness, Lifesum helps you to understand how nutrition impacts core pillars of health, including sleep, exercise and mental well-being. Lifesum features personalized nutrition insights and guidance, recipes, meal plans, diets, and food and exercise trackers. Learn more at Lifesum.com
About Lifesum for Work
Lifesum for Work is the leading corporate well-being service trusted by the world’s leading organizations, including Amazon, Google, GE, and PayPal. Lifesum for Work delivers a range of wellness outcomes, including increased employee engagement, lower absenteeism and churn and higher productivity. The service empowers employees to make smarter food choices with personalized recipes, diets and meal plans, food and exercise trackers, plus inspiration and motivation at every step of the way. Learn more at Lifesum.com/work