The British daily The Guardian reported on the 10th (local time) that these findings were presented at the European Congress on Obesity (EASO) held recently in Istanbul, Türkiye.
According to the report, researchers compared working hours and obesity rates in 33 member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) from 1990 to 2022. The results showed that nations with longer annual working hours, such as the United States, Mexico, and Colombia, also tended to have higher obesity rates.
In contrast, even though Nordic countries have a higher average intake of calories and fat, their obesity rates are relatively lower.
Dr. Pradipa Koralage Gedara of the University of Queensland, Australia, who led the research, explained, "Long working hours increase stress and reduce time for exercise," adding, "Elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol may be related to fat accumulation." He stated, "When people lead a more balanced life, their stress levels decrease, which can lead to healthier eating habits and increased physical activity."
However, the researchers clarified that this analysis does not prove a direct causal relationship between working hours and obesity. They noted that other factors, such as national income levels, may also have influenced the results.
Nevertheless, this study has prompted renewed calls in the UK to introduce a four-day workweek. Civic groups supporting the four-day workweek have argued that reducing working hours could also contribute to better health.
Dr. Rita Fontinha, a psychologist at the University of Reading in the UK, stated, "When people work multiple jobs or long hours, they often lack the energy to cook and tend to rely on processed foods," adding, "Shortening working hours—such as through a four-day workweek—can lead to improvements in dietary habits, exercise, and sleep patterns, contributing to the creation of a healthier society."
On the other hand, the UK government has drawn the line at legally mandating a four-day workweek. A government spokesperson said, "We will not make the four-day workweek compulsory," but added, "We are improving systems to make it easier to request flexible working."
According to data from the UK Office for National Statistics, more than 200,000 people have switched to a four-day workweek since the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 200 companies are currently operating with a four-day workweek, and recently, some local governments have introduced a four-day workweek for all employees.
