What’s the best way to lose weight at work? It’s simple: brown-bag your lunch. Home-made fare is almost always going to be healthier than the staff cafeteria or food fair.

A recent survey by careerbuilders.com found that 46 per cent of employees have gained weight since starting their current job, and more than 20 per cent have put on more than 10 pounds. The greatest obstacle in weight control can be buying lunch instead of bringing it. Those who brown-bag their lunch are better able to control portion sizes and consume fewer calories, say researchers.