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Does This Legal Job Make Me Look Fat?

By Deanne Katz, Esq. on June 18, 2012 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

Bad news: Being an attorney is not good for your waistline. Lawyers and judges are more likely to be overweight than most other professions and that information is supported by multiple sources.

Attorneys primarily work in front of a computer or hunched over documents, sit for long hours on the job, and spend a lot of their meals at their desk eating take out. Add to that the stress inherent in the practice of law and you've got a recipe for some serious weight gain.

Good news: That desk you're chained to? It's about to become your new exercise machine.

Chances are you can't cut your hours and a standing or treadmill desk may not be the right choice for your office. But there are a lot of resources for people who are chained to their desks and still want to keep a trim figure.

If you're looking to get yourself in better shape without having to sacrifice productivity, here are some tips to consider.

1. Move as much as you can. Walk around while looking over documents. Keep a stretching band or five pound weights in a desk drawer for impromptu workouts. Or try some of Lifehack's simple exercises you can do at your desk.

2. Avoid the junk food. Most of the causes of work-related weight gain are from bad eating habits according to a recent survey. Stock your desk with healthy snacks like dried fruit and nuts and drink plenty of water.

3. Chill out. Stress is a big factor in weight gain and can lead to all sorts of bad habits. If deep breathing isn't enough for you, there are other ways to relax that won't cut into your busy schedule.

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