A four-day working week could significantly reduce obesity rates and stress levels, while easing the burden on health services, according to experts. New research reveals that countries with the longest working hours have the highest obesity rates, even though those who work fewer hours often have unhealthier diets.
Study Links Long Hours to Obesity
Australian researchers found that reducing annual working hours by just 1 percent leads to a 0.16 percent fall in obesity rates. Presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul, the study compared working patterns and obesity rates in 33 OECD countries from 1990 to 2022. It concluded that lack of time for exercise and work-related stress could explain the trend.
Countries like the US, Mexico, and Colombia, which typically have longer working hours, show higher obesity rates compared to Nordic nations with shorter weeks. The UK ranks ninth for obesity rates but 24th for working hours, with an average of 1,505 hours per year.
Potential Impact on UK Health
Cutting working hours by 20 percent—equivalent to a four-day week—could mean around half a million fewer obese people in Britain, helping more people return to work. Dr. Pradeepa Korale-Gedara from the University of Queensland explained: "Long hours could promote the stress hormone cortisol, which is associated with weight gain. When people have a more balanced life, they have less stress, can focus on nutritious food, and engage in more physical activities."
An estimated 200 UK companies have already adopted a four-day week, with over 200,000 employees switching since the pandemic. James Reeves of the 4 Day Week Foundation said: "A four-day week on full pay could slash Britain's obesity levels by giving millions the time to ditch bad habits and make healthier choices."
Supporting Evidence
A study in Nature Human Behaviour tracking nearly 3,000 employees found better mental and physical health, fewer sleep problems, and lower work stress after six months. Some 90 percent of companies continued the pattern. A German study using wearables showed four-day workers had significantly less stress, more exercise, and 40 minutes more sleep weekly.
UK analysis of over 27,000 adults found that those sleeping less than seven hours are more likely to eat in response to stress. Better sleep, facilitated by shorter weeks, could curb cravings for unhealthy foods.
Criticisms and Concerns
Critics argue a four-day week for five days' pay is unsustainable, leading to lower incomes that many cannot afford. Dr. Christopher Snowdon from the Institute of Economic Affairs said: "For most people, a four-day week would mean a lower income, and people on low incomes are more likely to be obese."
Professor Cal Newport from Georgetown University noted that overload is a primary source of burnout, and a four-day week only indirectly addresses it. He advocates directly addressing workloads instead.
A government spokesman stated: "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."
