Understanding the importance of healthy nutrition for overall well-being

A balanced and nourishing diet is essential for physical and mental well-being. Shortages in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats can lead to health issues like weakened immune systems, cognitive impairment, and chronic diseases.  Studies have consistently shown that a balanced diet significantly reduces the risks associated with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.  Additionally, poor diets have been linked to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Despite the long-term repercussions of unhealthy dietary habits, convenience often takes priority over nutritional value in today’s fast-paced world. At the same time, disparities in accessing healthy diets are intertwined with broad social determinants. However, encouraging individuals to make informed food choices and prioritise healthy eating habits can significantly improve their overall quality of life 1–5.

Identifying common challenges teleworkers face in maintaining a healthy diet

As more and more people are turning to teleworking, it has become increasingly challenging to maintain healthy eating habits. With easy access to kitchens, meal skipping and excessive snacking have become everyday occurrences. Although it may seem that a home environment would be conducive to healthier eating, this is not always the case, and many teleworkers struggle to maintain a healthy and nutritious diet. Studies have shown that full-time teleworkers are more likely to experience weight gain and other health issues, particularly those who work from home only part of the time. Prolonged sitting and reduced physical activity can impact metabolism, leading to weight gain, while the blend of work and home life can raise stress levels, influencing unhealthy dietary choices. To address these challenges, tailored interventions are needed to help teleworkers maintain a balanced diet and manage their overall health effectively 6–8.

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Kubo Y, Ishimaru T, Hino A, Nagata M, Ikegami K, Tateishi S et al. A crosssectional study of the association between frequency of telecommuting and unhealthy dietary habits among Japanese workers during the COVID19 pandemic. J Occup Health 2021; 63: 12281.

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Sato K, Kobayashi S, Yamaguchi M, Sakata R, Sasaki Y, Murayama C et al. Working from home and dietary changes during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study of health app (CALO mama) users. Appetite 2021; 165: 105323.

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Tiboni-Oschilewski O, Perez-Silva R, Biasini B, Scazzina F. Dietary habits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Are work environments part of the problem? Front Sustain Food Syst 2022; 6: 961908.