Why are urban Indians eating meals around work calls?

Urban Indians are eating meals around work calls and screens because their modern workdays are structured with back-to-back meetings and long hours, leaving little time for regular breaks.

What are the health impacts of distracted eating in urban India?

Distracted eating, often occurring while working on screens, is linked to digestive discomfort, fluctuating energy levels, and poorer dietary regulation over time.

Is the modern workday responsible for irregular eating patterns?

Yes, the modern workday's demands, including constant online presence and long hours, are identified as the primary reason for irregular eating patterns among urban professionals.

Home / Health / Work Eats: Urban Indians Skip Meals for Screen Time

Work Eats: Urban Indians Skip Meals for Screen Time

24 Jan

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Summary

Urban Indians are eating meals around work calls, not hunger.
Lunch breaks are shrinking, replaced by desk-side screen meals.
Distracted eating impacts digestion and energy levels negatively.

Work Eats: Urban Indians Skip Meals for Screen Time

Urban Indians are now often eating meals dictated by work schedules, not hunger, a trend highlighted by the WHO and ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition. This shift means meals are frequently consumed around work calls and while remaining on screen, replacing traditional mealtimes with fragmented eating between tasks.

Lunch breaks are shrinking or disappearing, with many opting for quick, portable foods that minimize disruption. This distracted eating, where meals are consumed while working, is linked to digestive discomfort and fluctuating energy levels, according to public health guidance.

Screen-heavy professions are driving these habits, with long hours and constant availability expected. The ICMR notes that rapid or inattentive eating can degrade dietary quality over time. International research also connects irregular eating patterns to fatigue, a growing concern in Indian cities.