Experts call for UK four-day week as study links long work hours to obesity

"International research presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul compared working patterns and obesity prevalence for 33 OECD countries from 1990 to 2022. The study found that countries such as the US, Mexico and Colombia, which have longer annual working hours, also had higher obesity rates, even though northern European countries consume more energy and fat on average than those in Latin America."

"Reducing annual working hours by 1% was associated with a 0.16% decrease in obesity rates. The authors concluded that lack of time for exercise and work-related stress could explain why those who clock off last are more likely to pile the weight on. Dr Pradeepa Korale-Gedara said increased stress raised levels of the hormone cortisol, causing people to store more fat, while working in jobs where they were unable to burn energy."

"When people have a more balanced life, they have a better life, she said. They have less stress, they can focus on more nutritious food and engage in more physical activities. Although researchers warn the study does not prove causation and income levels of different countries could also be a factor, it has prompted experts to renew calls for a four-day week in the UK."

"About 200 companies have adopted the working pattern for their employees already. And South Cambridgeshire district council, whose Liberal Democrat administration won 43 out of 45 seats in the local elections last week, has introduced a four-day week for all staff. Office for National Statistics data shows more than 200,000 workers have switched to a four-day week since the Covid-19 pandemic."

International comparisons across 33 OECD countries from 1990 to 2022 found that countries with longer annual working hours also showed higher obesity rates. The pattern appeared even though northern European countries consumed more energy and fat on average than Latin American countries. A 1% reduction in annual working hours was associated with a 0.16% decrease in obesity rates. Explanations included reduced time for exercise and work-related stress. Higher stress can raise cortisol levels, which may increase fat storage, especially when jobs limit energy burning. Researchers noted the findings do not prove causation and that income differences could contribute. The results renewed calls for a four-day work week, with many companies and some public bodies already adopting it.

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