Long Hours Linked to Obesity, Study Finds
A new international study has linked longer working hours to higher obesity rates. The lead author, Dr Pradeepa Korale-Gedara from the University of Queensland in Australia, presented the findings at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul. Her team compared data from 33 countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) , covering 1990 to 2022. Countries with longer working hours, such as the United States, Mexico and Colombia, tended to have higher obesity rates, even though northern Europeans on average eat more fat and energy.
The researchers said two factors may explain the link. First, workplace stress raises a hormone called cortisol, which encourages the body to store fat. Second, long working hours leave little time for cooking healthy meals or exercising. They calculated that cutting annual working hours by 1% was linked to a 0.16% drop in obesity rates. However, they stressed that this does not prove cause and effect, and that differences in income between countries may also play a role. Dr Rita Fontinha, a psychologist at the University of Reading, described the situation as time poverty.
The findings have encouraged supporters of a four-day working week. James Reeves of the 4 Day Week Foundation said a shorter week could help millions of Britons make healthier choices. The study itself suggests that cutting working hours by 20% could leave around half a million fewer Britons obese. About 200 UK companies have already adopted the model. But critics disagree: Dr Christopher Snowdon of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) called the obesity claim dubious. A UK government spokesperson said ministers will not require a four-day week, but will make flexible working easier.
