A global analysis presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul indicated that even small reductions in working hours may be linked to lower obesity rates.
The study reports that a 1% drop in annual working time corresponds with a 0.16% fall in national obesity prevalence.
The research team, led by Dr Pradeepa Korale‑Gedara at the University of Queensland, examined long‑term data from 33 OECD nations between 1990 and 2022. Their work explored how working patterns relate to obesity alongside wider social and economic factors. Much public health research has traditionally centred on diet, physical activity, and other individual behaviours, but interest in the influence of working hours has been growing.
One notable finding was that national averages for energy and fat consumption did not align neatly with obesity levels. Latin American countries, for instance, report lower intake than several European nations yet experience significantly higher obesity rates. This suggests that broader structural factors may be at play.
Obesity prevalence varies widely across OECD members. The US records the highest rate at 42%, while Japan remains the lowest at 5.5%. Most northern and western European countries stay below 20%, with the UK sitting mid‑range at 26.8%.
Working hours also differ sharply. In 2022, Germany logged the fewest annual hours at 1,340, followed by Norway and Belgium at 1,422. The UK was among the ten lowest at 1,505. At the opposite end, the US reached 1,811 hours, while Colombia topped the list at 2,282, with Mexico and Costa Rica close behind.
Computer modelling showed that reduced working time was consistently associated with lower obesity rates across populations. When broken down by sex, the effect was stronger for men: a 1% reduction in annual hours was linked to a 0.23% decrease in obesity, compared with 0.11% for women.
The authors noted: “These patterns point to potential mechanisms such as reduced time for physical activity, increased work-related stress, and greater reliance on energy-dense convenience foods. Higher GDP per capita, greater urbanisation, and higher food prices were negatively associated with adult obesity prevalence, suggesting that improved economic conditions, more supportive urban environments, and higher relative food costs may facilitate healthier dietary choices.”
Their conclusion emphasised the need for broader structural action: “These results underscore the need for coordinated policy responses that extend beyond individual behaviour change. Addressing obesity effectively requires an integrated approach that considers labour market dynamics, urban design, and food system governance. Policy interventions aimed at improving work-life balance, promoting active transportation, and fostering healthier food environments may play a critical role in mitigating obesity risk.”
This article is based on a piece written for Personnel Today
