The UK's obsession with long work hours may be contributing to its obesity crisis, according to a study that has sparked renewed calls for a four-day workweek. The research, presented at the European Congress on Obesity, found a strong correlation between longer working hours and higher obesity rates across 33 OECD countries from 1990 to 2022. This finding has experts and policymakers alike rethinking traditional work structures.
The study revealed that reducing annual working hours by just 1% could lead to a 0.16% decrease in obesity rates. Lead author Dr. Pradeepa Korale-Gedara attributed this to the stress and lack of time for exercise associated with longer work hours. She explained that increased stress raises cortisol levels, leading to fat storage, and that people with more balanced lives have less stress, better nutrition, and more physical activity.
This isn't just theoretical; it's already happening. Around 200 companies in the UK have adopted a four-day workweek, and South Cambridgeshire district council has introduced it for all staff. The Office for National Statistics reports that over 200,000 workers have switched to a four-day week since the pandemic. James Reeves, a campaign manager at the 4 Day Week Foundation, argues that a four-day week on full pay could significantly reduce obesity levels by giving people the time to make healthier choices.
Dr. Rita Fontinha, a psychologist at the University of Reading, supports this view, linking obesity to 'time poverty' and the lack of energy to cook nutritious meals. She suggests that a four-day week or similar working-time reductions could lead to better food choices, more exercise, and improved sleep, ultimately contributing to healthier societies.
However, ministers remain opposed to mandatory four-day weeks, citing the Employment Rights Act's flexibility. This resistance highlights the challenge of implementing such a significant shift in work culture. Despite this, the evidence is compelling, and the potential benefits for public health and well-being are clear. The question remains: will the UK embrace a four-day workweek, or will it continue down the path of longer hours and higher obesity rates?
