Snacking at work linked to weight issues among firefighters
Iain Hoey
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Firefighters in the UK face workplace health challenge
A recent study conducted by Oxford Online Pharmacy has found that firefighters are among the professions in the UK where workplace snacking is considered a major obstacle to weight loss.
The survey, conducted in April 2025 by Censuswide and based on responses from 2,000 UK adults, explored how job roles influence eating habits.
According to Oxford Online Pharmacy, 33.33% of firefighters surveyed said workplace snacks were a barrier to weight management.
The company said estate and letting agents reported the highest rate, with 37.5% citing vending machines and workplace snacks as a factor in weight gain.
Survey examines health barriers in the workplace
Oxford Online Pharmacy stated that broadcasters were tied with firefighters at 33.33% in reporting workplace snacks as a problem.
The study also noted that 26.67% of lorry and taxi drivers blamed eating on the job for difficulties with weight loss.
According to the company, these jobs often involve mobile routines and high workloads that limit access to home-cooked meals.
Oxford Online Pharmacy explained that these types of professions frequently operate in high-pressure environments with limited opportunities for food preparation, making quick snacks a more accessible option.
Lack of time and stress contribute to poor diet choices
Oxford Online Pharmacy found that lack of time to cook and workplace stress were additional factors affecting food choices. It reported that people working in mobile or shift-based roles were more likely to experience these barriers.
The company said that stress and limited time can drive workers to rely on fast food and vending machines, which are often calorie-dense and lacking in nutrition.
It added that stress-related eating patterns can lead to overconsumption, especially when healthier alternatives are unavailable during working hours.
Guidance issued for employers and employees
Kiran Jones, Clinical Pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, provided advice for workers and employers to support healthier choices. Jones said: “If grab-and-go and fast-food options are stopping you from eating healthy and nutritious lunches or snacks, it’s time you took back control and packed your own.”
Jones continued: “Instead of relying on quick, unhealthy options, consider packing a lunchbox filled with lean proteins and fruits and vegetables, as well as plenty of nutritious snacks.”
Jones added: “Soups in thermos flasks are also perfect for weight loss if you prefer a hot meal or avoid food wastage by boxing up last night’s leftovers.”
For employers, Jones said: “While you can’t necessarily control what workers eat when they’re on the road, you can switch up the food that’s available in the workplace.”
Jones stated: “Encourage workers to set their own break times where they can eat in peace between jobs.
“Rushing or skipping meals can result in poor food choices later in the day and irregular eating patterns can have an impact on mood and energy levels.”
Jones further recommended: “Workplaces should also ensure employees are aware of any support services that are available to them in and outside of the workplace, for their mental or physical health.”
Workplace snacking challenges for firefighters and other UK workers: Summary
Oxford Online Pharmacy conducted a UK-wide survey of 2,000 adults in April 2025.
The research examined barriers to weight loss and healthy eating in the workplace.
It found that 33.33% of firefighters considered workplace snacking a challenge to weight control.
Estate and letting agents had the highest rate, at 37.5%.
Broadcasters also reported 33.33%, and 26.67% of taxi and lorry drivers identified on-the-job eating as a problem.
Oxford Online Pharmacy stated that stress and limited food preparation time contributed to poor diet choices.
Kiran Jones, Clinical Pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, shared advice for healthy eating on the job.
Suggestions included pre-planning meals, increasing water intake and changing available snack options.
Jones also encouraged flexible break times and access to workplace wellbeing resources.