'Cake culture' in the workplace 'is making Britons fat'

Health problems: Dentists say eating cake and biscuits in the workplace is contributing to obesity
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Patrick Grafton-Green3 January 2017

Leading dentists are calling for workplace "cake culture" to end, saying it is making people fat and contributing to the nation's dental problems.

The Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) said the consumption of biscuits and cake in the office should be cut and replaced with healthier, low sugar alternatives.

They added that people should avoid snacking, perhaps saving any sugar for a lunchtime treat, and sweet treats should hidden away to avoid temptation.

A "sugar schedule" to limit sugar intake has also been recommmended.

Professor Nigel Hunt, dean of the FDS at the Royal College of Surgeons, said a “culture change” was needed, and that employers should be encouraging healthier eating.

He said: "Managers want to reward staff for their efforts, colleagues want to celebrate special occasions and workers want to bring back a gift from their holidays.

"While these sweet treats might be well meaning, they are also contributing to the current obesity epidemic and poor oral health.

"We need a culture change in offices and other workplaces that encourages healthy eating and helps workers avoid caving in to sweet temptations such as cakes, sweets and biscuits.

"With this in mind, the faculty has developed simple tips for workers and employers to help them cut back on sugar in the workplace.”

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