Work-related stress has become a growing concern, with many individuals experiencing significant weight gain due to the pressures of their jobs. A recent case in China highlights the impact of work stress on physical and mental health, sparking online discussions about "overwork obesity."
Ouyang Wenjing, a 24-year-old from Guangdong province, shared her story on social media, revealing that she gained 20kg in just one year due to her stressful job. Her weight ballooned from 60kg to 80kg, affecting her overall well-being. Ouyang attributed her weight gain to her demanding job, which took a toll on her physical and mental health.
Like many workers in China, Ouyang faced long hours and irregular shifts, relying on food delivery for most of her meals. This erratic lifestyle sabotaged her earlier weight loss success, prompting her to quit her job in June and focus on regaining control over her health.
Since quitting, Ouyang has become a freelance weight-loss influencer, sharing her journey with over 41,000 followers. She adjusted her diet to reduce oils and sugars, focusing on balanced meals with vegetables, grains, and proteins. After implementing these changes, she achieved a significant weight loss of 6 kg within a remarkably short period of just one month.
Ouyang's story resonated with many others who shared similar experiences of "overwork obesity." A woman from Shanghai working in the tech industry revealed that she gained 3kg in two months due to job stress, while a woman in Singapore shared that she gained 20kg due to work and family stress.
Experts emphasize that work-related stress can lead to weight gain due to poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and disrupted sleep patterns.
Simple lifestyle changes can help manage stress-related weight gain. Health experts suggest chewing food slowly, eating more fiber and protein, and staying hydrated to control appetite and reduce calorie intake. Preparing meals at home, rather than relying on restaurant or food delivery services, can result in more nutritious and balanced eating habits.
The growing recognition of 'overwork obesity' underscores the need to tackle the underlying factors contributing to work-related stress and promote a more supportive and healthy work culture. For those battling the dual burdens of work and weight, it's not just about cutting calories – it's about finding balance.
Reference:
1. Online, Et. “When quitting job becomes a lifesaver. Woman gained 20 kg in a year from work stress.” The Economic Times, September 10, 2024. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/when-quitting-job-becomes-a-lifesaver-woman-gained-20-kg-in-a-year-from-work-stress/articleshow/113218793.cms?from=mdr.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Vaishnavi Dalvi/MSM)
