Dr. Jean-Philippe Chaput of the University of Copenhagen speculates that mental stress from computer work triggers changes in blood sugar levels that trick the brain into thinking it has worked off calories that need replacing.  This in turn increases an appetite for sweet treats like chocolate.

This all started when Dr. Chaput noticed a supervisor regularly snacking on chocolate when doing computer work.  He then asked one group of female students to go to a computer and start working while another group was told to relax for 45 minutes.

The group doing the computer-based task only burned off three more calories than the relaxing group but later they ate 230 more calories when dining at a buffet afterwards.  Much of the 230 calories came from sweets and other snack foods.

Dr. Chaput says that sitting at a computer makes you gain weight because you are sedentary, and working at one makes you gain weight because it increases your appetite. 

Double Whammy.

The message in all this?  Take regular screen breaks and get more physical exercise, says the doctor.

Excuse me for a second as I cut this post short.  I need to get up and get some chocolate.

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Bryn Kirk

Course Facilitator at Chocolate University Online

Bryn worked for nearly 10 years in a research and product development for Ambrosia Chocolate Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Now she develops all of the CUO lessons and coaches the members of the Primal Chocolate Club.

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