Taxi drivers among UK workers hit hardest by job-related snacking habits
- Perry Richardson
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Taxi drivers are among the UK professions most affected by unhealthy snacking while working, according to a new study examining barriers to weight loss across different job roles.
Research conducted by Oxford Online Pharmacy surveyed 2,000 adults across 32 different professions. The findings revealed that over a quarter of taxi and lorry drivers (26.67%) said their eating habits while on the job were a major obstacle to losing weight.
The data supports wider NHS findings which show that one in four adults in the UK are obese. Obesity increases the risk of a range of health issues, including type-2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. With the NHS expected to face obesity-related costs of nearly £10billion by 2050, the issue is becoming increasingly urgent.
Taxi drivers, like others in mobile or high-pressure roles, often lack the time to prepare meals and instead rely on easily accessible food. Fast food outlets, vending machines and convenience snacks tend to be more common for drivers with irregular or long shifts.
Other professions facing similar challenges include estate agents, firefighters and broadcasters, with a third or more of respondents in these sectors also highlighting workplace snacking as a barrier to healthy weight management.
Experts point to a combination of stress, lack of routine and limited access to healthy food as contributing factors. Fast and ultra-processed foods are typically more calorie-dense and less nutritious, which adds to the problem, especially for workers on the move.
The study suggests that both employers and workers should consider more practical ways to support healthier eating habits. For drivers, small changes like planning ahead, carrying healthy alternatives and being more aware of food choices during breaks could help reduce reliance on unhealthy snacks.
Kiran Jones, Clinical Pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy shared useful tips cabbies could use to tackle high-pressure environments or unsociable hours encouraging healthy eating and avoid weight gain.
Pre-plan lunch and snacks
“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.
“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.
“Wraps or pittas with lean meat and salad are easy to eat on the go, while lunchboxes filled with a variety of snacks like dried fruit, wholegrain crackers and instant porridge oats are relatively low-calorie and great emergency snacks to avoid temptation from vending machines. Unsalted nuts, Greek yoghurt or high-fibre snack bars with low sugar are also good snack options, as they are high in protein and fibre to keep you fuller for longer and avoid sugar crashes.
“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.”
Drink plenty of water
“Not everyone is familiar with this, but when you’re hungry it actually can be a key sign you’re dehydrated.
“So, before reaching for the snacks, ensure you have a refillable water bottle with you wherever you are and aim to drink at least 2-2.5 litres a day. If you’re not a water fan, this can be substituted for squash, tea, coffee or other non-alcoholic beverages.”
