Working 4 days a week could combat obesity as much as a diet, according to science.

Reducing the workday has ceased to be just an economic or business discussion and has begun to position itself as a possible public health tool. This was revealed by an international study that analyzed the relationship between working hours and obesity in various countries over more than three decades.

The research, led by the University of Queensland in collaboration with an analysis coordinated by the OECD, showed a finding that surprised even specialists: working fewer hours could have an impact comparable to following a healthy diet.

The report was presented at the European Congress on Obesity held in Istanbul, where experts from around the world gathered to discuss the main trends in health.

What the study revealed that surprised experts

The analysis included data from 33 countries between 1990 and 2022. It compared annual working hours with obesity rates in each population.

The results were clear: countries where people work more hours have higher levels of overweight. In contrast, those nations with shorter workdays showed lower obesity rates, even when their fat and calorie consumption was higher.

Among the most notable cases are the United States, Mexico, and Colombia, where long working hours coincided with high obesity rates.

The most relevant data from the study was its impact measurement: reducing the annual workday by 1% was associated with a 0.16% decrease in obesity levels.

Although the percentage seems small, researchers highlighted that its cumulative effect can be significant when applied to millions of people over time.

The mechanism behind the link between work and obesity

The director of the study, Pradeepa Korale-Gedara, explained that the link between work and weight gain is not coincidental.

“When people have a more balanced life, they have a better life. They experience less stress, can focus on more nutritious foods, and engage in more physical activity,” she stated.

According to the team, there are two main mechanisms that explain this relationship.

The first is chronic stress. Long workdays increase cortisol levels, a hormone that promotes fat accumulation, especially in people with sedentary jobs.

The second factor is lack of time. Those who work many hours often have less energy to cook or exercise, leading them to opt for ultra-processed foods or quick solutions.

In this regard, psychologist Rita Fontinha stated: “If you work many hours or have more than one job, you don’t have the energy to cook. It’s easier to resort to processed products.”

The four-day workweek returns to the center of the debate

These results have reignited the debate about the four-day workweek, especially in the United Kingdom.

According to data published by The Guardian, nearly 200 companies have already adopted this model. Additionally, more than 200,000 workers have transitioned to this scheme since the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the most representative cases is the South Cambridgeshire district council, which implemented a flexible workweek after recent elections.

This change responds not only to labor demands but also to a new perspective on the overall well-being of workers.

What the government says about this labor transformation

Despite the progress of these initiatives, the British government maintains a cautious stance.

According to official statements reported by local media, a four-day workweek with full pay will not be imposed. However, measures for labor flexibility are being facilitated through legislative reforms.

This stance reflects a growing tension between traditional public policies and new scientific evidence linking work to health.

Why this finding changes the public health approach

For decades, the fight against obesity focused on two pillars: diet and exercise. However, this study introduced a third key factor: available time.

Reducing the workday not only impacts rest but also quality of life. It allows for better cooking, more sleep, and time for physical or recreational activities.

Experts warn that, although a direct absolute causality cannot be established, the relationship is strong enough to be considered in future policies.

A change that could redefine daily life

The study presented in Istanbul marked a turning point. The discussion about the workday is no longer limited to productivity or employment but expands into the realm of health.

More and more experts agree that the balance between work and personal life will be a determining factor in future societies.

In this context, reducing the workday appears as a measure with the potential to transform not only the way of working but also the way of living.