The extra hours you spend at your desk could mean extra pounds on the scale.

Health experts say desk jobs burn few calories and that lack of activity can add pounds quickly.

A growing number of Americans are spending most of their day at their desk.

"I typically arrive at work about 7:30 or 7:45 and much of my day is spent at my desk," John Bachmeier a UW Eau Claire Administrator says.

And it's showing on their waistlines.

"I do think about that and I am concerned about it so what i try to do is something everyday, " Bachmeier says.

Bachmeier works at UW-Eau Claire and says despite his busy schedule he's making exercise a priority.

"When I am on campus I try to get away at lunchtime, that seems to be my best time to be able to exercise," Bachmeier says

But, dietitians say not all office workers make such healthy choices.

"So many people today in office situations seem to be so busy, so I often-times hear people are working through the noon hour, kinda eating something at their desk real quick and of course the things you are eating at your desk are those grab and go types of things," Registered Dietitian Diane Dressel says.

Dressel says office workers also tend to snack, losing track of how many calories they're taking in.

She says over time snacking without increasing activity can lead to significant weight gain.

"Our definition that we like to use for physical activity is using your body muscles and moving them through space, so when your siting you're a zero, you're not burning any calories," Dressel says.

Still, trainers say it's not hard to burn those pesky calories.
They recommend moving as much as you can and fitting in short bursts of exercise.

"Even if you can break it up maybe do ten minutes during your lunch hour or walk an extra 20 minutes when you get home from work, it all builds up," Personal Trainer Melissa Matson says.

And that's a message John Bachmeier is taking to heart.

"It also tends to keep weight off and I feel better when I do it," Bachmeier says.

And his heart may be thanking him.