Yesterday, (3 January 2017), the Royal College of Surgeons, Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) issued a press release urging workers to cut the cake culture that seems to have become established in many offices up and down the country.
The FDS is becoming increasingly concerned that the workplace has become the main environment where people eat sugar and this, they believe, coupled with a more sedentary lifestyle is leading to increased obesity.
One estimate is that the UK spent £219m on Christmas cakes alone in December 2015, and with a general increase in the sales of confectionery in the UK, that number could be even higher for this Christmas just gone.
Increased sugar consumption is also having a major impact on tooth decay. Professor Nigel Hunt, Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons, says:
“The idea of a cake culture in workplaces really seemed to strike a chord when the Faculty first raised it as an issue earlier this year. We all recognise it. 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. Make combatting cake culture in your workplace one of your New Year’s resolutions for a healthier 2017.”
