This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/health/8426611.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Chefs lead on unhealthy habits Chefs lead on unhealthy habits
(about 1 hour later)
Chefs appear to have more unhealthy habits than any other profession while those in advertising are near paradigms of virtue, a survey suggests. Chefs appear to have more unhealthy habits than any other profession while those in advertising are near paragons of virtue, a survey suggests.
The poll of 3,000 workers found chefs smoked the most and consumed two snacks of crisps or chocolate most days.The poll of 3,000 workers found chefs smoked the most and consumed two snacks of crisps or chocolate most days.
Farmers also fared poorly, smoking on average over 50 cigarettes and consuming 14 snacks each week.Farmers also fared poorly, smoking on average over 50 cigarettes and consuming 14 snacks each week.
But the ad man smoked just nine cigarettes and drank in moderation, closely followed by the teacher.But the ad man smoked just nine cigarettes and drank in moderation, closely followed by the teacher.
UNHEALTHIEST PROFESSIONS ChefFarmerElectricianInsurance workerBuilderBankerCall centre workerTruck driverEngineerTravel agentUNHEALTHIEST PROFESSIONS ChefFarmerElectricianInsurance workerBuilderBankerCall centre workerTruck driverEngineerTravel agent
Some 3,000 workers - including more than 100 chefs, were questioned in an online poll carried out by healthcare insurer Medicash as to their eating, drinking and smoking habits.Some 3,000 workers - including more than 100 chefs, were questioned in an online poll carried out by healthcare insurer Medicash as to their eating, drinking and smoking habits.
On the heels of chefs and farmers came electricians, insurance workers and builders. Truck driver and call centre workers also made it into the top ten of unhealthiest professions.On the heels of chefs and farmers came electricians, insurance workers and builders. Truck driver and call centre workers also made it into the top ten of unhealthiest professions.
Teachers meanwhile were not far behind those who work in advertising, while lawyers and secretaries also fared well.Teachers meanwhile were not far behind those who work in advertising, while lawyers and secretaries also fared well.
Taken together, those polled consumed six alcoholic drinks and smoked 21 cigarettes per week. They enjoyed at least one snack a day, and had one take-away or ready meal a week.Taken together, those polled consumed six alcoholic drinks and smoked 21 cigarettes per week. They enjoyed at least one snack a day, and had one take-away or ready meal a week.
HEALTHIEST PROFESSIONS Ad repTeacherHuman resources assistantAccountantLawyerSecretary IT workerResearcherNurseShop assistantHEALTHIEST PROFESSIONS Ad repTeacherHuman resources assistantAccountantLawyerSecretary IT workerResearcherNurseShop assistant
''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," said Peter Lauris of Medicash.''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," said Peter Lauris of Medicash.
''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."''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."
Miles Quest of the British Hospitality Association said the findings in relation to the chefs should be treated with some scepticism.Miles Quest of the British Hospitality Association said the findings in relation to the chefs should be treated with some scepticism.
"Most chefs eat a reasonable meal at work based on what is in the kitchen, so I'm not sure they're always popping ready meals in the oven when they get home. As for smoking, my overwhelming impression is that rates have fallen."Most chefs eat a reasonable meal at work based on what is in the kitchen, so I'm not sure they're always popping ready meals in the oven when they get home. As for smoking, my overwhelming impression is that rates have fallen.
"Having said that there is no doubt that it is a pressured profession, working in a hot kitchen in what can be quite stressful conditions. But I do think most chefs make an effort to lead a healthy lifestyle as far as possible.""Having said that there is no doubt that it is a pressured profession, working in a hot kitchen in what can be quite stressful conditions. But I do think most chefs make an effort to lead a healthy lifestyle as far as possible."