Experts call for UK four-day week as study links long work hours to obesity
Summary
A study involving 33 countries found that working longer hours is linked to higher obesity rates. Experts suggest that reducing work hours, such as adopting a four-day workweek, could help people have more time for exercise and healthy eating, potentially lowering obesity.Key Facts
- The study compared work hours and obesity rates in 33 countries from 1990 to 2022.
- Countries with longer annual work hours, like the US and Mexico, had higher obesity levels.
- Reducing annual work hours by 1% corresponded with a 0.16% drop in obesity rates.
- Stress from long work hours can raise cortisol, a hormone that increases fat storage.
- About 200 companies and some local governments in the UK have started four-day workweeks.
- Over 200,000 UK workers moved to a four-day week after the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Experts say more free time helps people eat better, exercise more, and sleep better.
- The UK government does not plan to require a four-day workweek but supports flexible working.
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