Experts are calling for a four-day week in the UK after a new study linked long working hours to obesity. International research presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul analyzed working patterns and obesity prevalence in 33 OECD countries from 1990 to 2022. The study found that countries with longer annual working hours, such as the US, Mexico, and Colombia, also had higher obesity rates, even though northern European countries consume more energy and fat on average.
Key Findings
Reducing annual working hours by 1% was associated with a 0.16% decrease in obesity rates. The authors suggest that lack of time for exercise and work-related stress could explain why those who work longer hours are more likely to gain weight. Dr. Pradeepa Korale-Gedara of the University of Queensland, Australia, the lead author, explained that increased stress raises cortisol levels, causing fat storage, while sedentary jobs limit energy expenditure.
“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.”
Calls for a Four-Day Week
Although the study does not prove causation and income levels may also be a factor, it has renewed calls for a four-day week in the UK. Around 200 companies have already adopted this pattern, and South Cambridgeshire district council, under Liberal Democrat control, has introduced a four-day week for all staff. Office for National Statistics data shows 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, said: “A four-day week on full pay could slash Britain’s obesity levels by giving millions the time they need to ditch bad habits and make healthier choices. It’s essential that local and national governments seriously consider the role that a shorter working week can play in improving the health of our communities. The nine-to-five, five-day working week is 100 years old and we’re long overdue an update.”
Expert Opinions
Dr. Rita Fontinha, a psychologist at the University of Reading, who published a review of evidence on the four-day week last year and has been funded by the Portuguese government to pilot a four-day working week there, said obesity is closely related to time poverty. “If you work two jobs or long hours, you simply do not have the energy to cook and it becomes easier to just buy something packaged or processed. A four-day week or different forms of working-time reduction could be associated with better choices in terms of food, exercise and sleep to contribute to healthier societies.”
Government Stance
Ministers remain opposed to four-day weeks. A government spokesperson said: “This government will not mandate a four-day work week for five days’ pay. But through the Employment Rights Act, we’re making it easier for flexible working requests to be accepted.”
