Could a four-day workweek help fight obesity in the UK?

A new push for a four-day working week has emerged as campaigners argue it could help tackle obesity. Researchers found a clear link between shorter working hours and lower obesity rates across 33 countries. The findings have sparked debate over whether reducing work time could improve public health in the UK. An international study led by Dr Pradeepa Korale-Gedara from the University of Queensland examined working hours and obesity rates in OECD nations. The results showed that a 1% drop in annual working hours correlated with a 0.16% fall in obesity levels. Countries where people worked longer hours tended to have higher obesity rates overall.

The 4 Day Week Foundation has highlighted the study as evidence that shorter workweeks could encourage healthier lifestyles. They argue that less time at work may reduce stress and free up hours for exercise—both factors linked to obesity. In the UK, where obesity remains high despite relatively low working hours, the study estimates that a four-day week could lead to around half a million fewer obese people. Yet not everyone agrees. Dr Christopher Snowdon, from the Institute of Economic Affairs, warns that cutting work hours might not guarantee weight loss. He also points out that reduced pay could hurt many workers. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, over 200,000 UK employees have already shifted to a four-day week, but the long-term health effects remain unclear.

The study adds weight to calls for shorter working weeks as a potential health measure. If adopted widely, the change could impact millions of workers and obesity rates. However, critics stress that economic and lifestyle factors must also be considered before any policy shift.