The nation's unhealthiest workers revealed

Chefs have topped a poll of the unhealthiest workers in Britain. Those who work in the hospitality industry eat more junk food and ready meals, smoke more cigarettes and drink more alcohol than any other profession.

Researchers revealed that, despite working in a kitchen, the average chef has 12 snacks of crisps, chocolate bars or biscuits each week, and at least one ready meal or takeaway.

On top of that they smoke an average of 58 cigarettes per week and sup eight alcoholic drinks.

The stats emerged in a study of 3,000 workers by leading healthcare cash plan provider Medicash.

Second place went to farmers, who smoke 51 cigarettes a week and chomp their way through 14 unhealthy snacks.

Electricians, insurance workers and builders are also among the unhealthiest workers in the UK.

Those who work in advertising were found to have the healthiest lifestyle, smoking an average of just nine cigarettes and sipping just six alcoholic drinks a week.

Teachers followed close behind in second place, followed by those in HR, accountants and lawyers.

Peter Lauris, sales & marketing director for Medicash, said: "It may be surprising to see chefs at the top of the list, since you would expect them to be in the know when it comes to preparing a nice, healthy meal.

"But in reality, it's probably the last thing they feel like doing when they get home from work. After spending the day in the kitchen for work, I imagine they simply want to put their feet up when they get in at night.

"So instead, this research shows that they are enjoying a diet of junk food and ready meals, and the cigarettes and alcohol on top of that are only adding to their health woes."

Researchers found that the average Brit enjoys 11 snacks, such as chocolate and crisps, and has one take-away or ready meal a week.

On top of that, the average Brit gets through six alcoholic drinks a week and smokes three cigarettes a day.

We then exercise just twice a week.

The study also found that the nation's lifestyle could be having an effect on our heath with the average Brit suffering from seven different bugs and colds in the past year.

Some have felt so bad, they have paid two trips to the doctors and taken three days off work because they were feeling under the weather.

But it was also revealed that the average adult hasn't been to the dentist for almost nine months, despite check-ups being recommended every six months.

Almost one in five even admitted they haven't been for two years or more.

More than a third blamed their absence from the dentist's chair on the cost saying they simply can't afford to go.

Another 24 per cent aren't registered with a dentist and can't find one which will take them.

It's not just our teeth we are neglecting though as a quarter of Brits haven't had their eyes tested for three years or more; a year over the recommended two-year check up period.

And while 31 per cent didn't realise they were meant to get their eyes tested regularly, 12 per cent said they couldn't afford the cost of the test and glasses.

Peter Lauris, sales & marketing director for Medicash added: "The study highlights how some people's jobs can have a negative impact on their lifestyle if it results in them eating poorly and drinking and smoking too much. For those who work in a sector renowned for unsociable hours they must try to make a conscious effort to be healthy and invest in their health. Healthy people are more happy and productive."

TOP TEN UNHEALTHIEST PROFESSIONS

1. Chef
2. Farmer
3. Electrician
4. Insurance worker
5. Builder
6. Banker
7. Call Centre worker
8. Truck driver
9. Engineer
10. Travel agent

TOP TEN HEALTHIEST PROFESSIONS

1. Ad rep
2. Teacher
3. Human resources assistant
4. Accountant
5. Lawyer
6. Secretary
7. IT worker
8. Researcher
9. Nurse
10. Shop assistant