Longer work hours linked to higher obesity in OECD

New research presented this week at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul has found that longer working hours across 33 OECD countries are associated with higher obesity rates, with a one per cent reduction in annual hours linked to a 0.16 per cent drop in obesity prevalence.

The study, which analyzed data from 1990 to 2022, showed that nations with extended work schedules, including the United States, Mexico and Colombia, reported elevated obesity levels. The United States had the highest adult obesity rate at 41.99 per cent in 2022, followed by the United Kingdom at 26.8 per cent, while Japan recorded the lowest at 5.54 per cent. Researchers emphasized the findings indicate correlation rather than causation, noting influences such as income levels and urbanization also affect outcomes.

Several mechanisms explain the pattern. Prolonged hours often mean more sedentary jobs, reduced time for physical activity and greater reliance on energydense convenience foods. Workrelated stress elevates cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone, which can promote fat storage, increase appetite for highfat and sugary foods, and disrupt sleep. "When people have a more balanced...