MANILA, Philippines - Convergys Corp. has started a nationwide campaign to make its employees eat healthy as regular mealtimes and high consumption of fast food, coffee and alcohol characterize the diet of workers in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry.

The company signed a "mutual wellness pledge" with consumer giant Nestle to implement its "Win with Wellness" campaign with the latter's "Show off Your Shape" program.

Here, employees were asked to replace their breakfast and one other meal with whole grain cereal for 14 days, and to take snacks that are low in fat such as fruits, vegetables and yogurt.

"Whole grains are effective food staples that provide energy while keeping you full longer...[It] can also lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers," said Myra Garcia, Nestle consumer marketing manager for adult cereals and nutrition.

After the 14-day program, Convergys claimed that most employees learned to take a healthy approach to weight management.

"Our participation rates, results and actual survey feedback show that we truly are winning with wellness. More than 1,600 lbs were lost among those who returned for final weigh-in. This is truly encouraging news," said Ivic Mueco, Convergys vice president and head of operations.

Janie Hope Uy, an agent from Convergys in Makati, for her part, shared that she developed a healthier habit of snacking on cereals instead of fastfood.

A study by the University of the Philippines Population Institute showed that most workers in the BPO industry, particularly call center agents, consume mainly fast food items such as fried chicken, burgers and fries.

Coffee is also a staple of BPO workers' diets, as well as soda and alcohol.

These unhealthy eating and drinking habits may be traced to fatigue and lack of sleep, the study said, making these workers turn to vices and partying to cope with their jobs.

"It (Being healthy) seemed difficult to execute considering the challenges with schedules, my personal stamina, and food cravings," said Marsha Francisco, an agent from Convergys in Cebu.