Shift work poses health risk

Shift workers are more likely to suffer from health problems and obesity, according to a UK study.

The latest Health Survey for England, compiled by the British government’s Health and Social Care Information Centre, showed that shift workers are more likely than non-shift workers to have a limiting longstanding illness, to be obese, and to have diabetes.

The survey found that, among the working population, 33% of men and 22% of women work in shifts. This form of work is most prevalent among people aged 16-24 and among the poorest households.

The study defined shift work as regular work outside the hours of 7am to 7pm.

Speaking to BBC News, the lead researcher said that the rise of "zero-hours" contracts in the UK could increase the proportion of shift workers, which may cause problems for the country’s healthcare system.

The report suggested that the relative poor health of shift workers is partly because working at night itself can cause health problems, and partly because people who work shifts are more likely to have unhealthy lifestyles.

IZA World of Labor author Susan L. Averett discusses obesity and labor market outcomes. She writes that evidence shows obese workers, particularly women, have lower earnings and lower probability of employment, although there is debate as to whether this relationship is causal.

The latest Health Survey for England can be found here. The chapter on shift work can be read here.

Related article:
Obesity and labor market outcomes, by Susan L. Averett