He hoped people would walk, run or cycle 5km (three miles) each day he was away on the adventure.

BBC: Andrew Murray

"They should also encourage employers to do the same thing by putting in showers and helping people who not only want to cycle in, but run in or walk in, and I think it is important that they do that as well, " he said.

BBC: Target obesity in the workplace, say business leaders

So the 44-year-old, who says his peers' evaluations were somewhat harsh, recently rejoined the local gym, where he heads after work at least three days a week to run on the treadmill, cycle or stretch.

WSJ: Want to Be CEO? What's Your BMI?

What this means is that investors stand the best chance of participating in this renewed merger and acquisition cycle by investing in small to midsize companies, or micro, small-cap and mid-cap mutual funds run by investment managers with a value approach.

FORBES: Buy These Small-Caps Before They Get Big