A new international study suggests that long working hours may be contributing to rising obesity rates. Researchers analyzed data from 33 OECD countries between 1990 and 2022 and found a clear link between longer annual working hours and higher levels of obesity.
According to the findings, countries where people worked fewer hours generally had lower obesity rates. Researchers estimate that every 1% reduction in working hours could lower obesity levels by 0.16%, while a 20% reduction—such as through a four-day work week—could reduce obesity by around 3%.
Experts believe long hours increase stress, limit time for exercise, and encourage reliance on unhealthy convenience foods, making work-life balance an important factor in maintaining a healthy weight.
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