People who work longer hours are more likely to be obese, study finds

"A poor work-life balance could make it harder to keep the weight off, according to a study that suggests people who work longer hours are more likely to be obese. More time spent working at a desk can mean less time spent exercising. Long, extended working hours may also contribute to stress-related eating and elevated cortisol levels both of which are associated with weight gain, researchers explained."

"When people have a more balanced life, they have a better life, said Dr Pradeepa Korale-Gedara of the University of Queensland, Australia, who is the lead author of the study. They have less stress, they can focus on more nutritious food and engage in more physical activities."

"The international study presented at this year's European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2026) in Istanbul compared working patterns and obesity prevalence for 33 OECD countries, including the UK, from 1990 to 2022. It found that countries such as the US, Mexico and Colombia, which have longer annual working hours, also had higher obesity rates."

"The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it."

The Independent describes its reporting focus on developing stories across reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech, emphasizing fact-checking over messaging and avoiding paywalls. It also states that donations help send journalists to speak to both sides and that its reporting is trusted across political groups. A separate study is summarized, linking poor work-life balance to difficulty maintaining weight. The study suggests longer working hours increase obesity risk by reducing time for exercise, encouraging stress-related eating, and raising cortisol levels. A lead researcher says balanced lives reduce stress, improve focus on nutritious food, and increase physical activity. An international analysis across 33 OECD countries from 1990 to 2022 finds higher obesity rates in countries with longer annual working hours.

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