Overwork Obesity: Understanding Job Stress and Weight Gain

The Impact of Stress: 20kg Weight Gain in One Year

Ouyang Wenjing, a 24-year-old from Guangdong province in southern China, shared her experience on the social media platform Xiaohongshu, revealing that her weight ballooned from 60kg to 80kg within a year. Ouyang attributed this drastic change to her stressful job, which took a toll on both her physical and mental health. She mentioned that her job had turned into a disaster for her well-being, prompting her to quit in June and shift her focus to regaining control over her health. “I feel much better now,” Ouyang said.

Irregular Lifestyle and Its Consequences

Like many workers in China, Ouyang faced long hours and irregular shifts, often relying on food delivery for all her meals. This erratic lifestyle sabotaged her earlier weight loss success; she had previously shed 45kg after weighing 105kg in secondary school. Since quitting her job, Ouyang has become a freelance weight-loss influencer with over 41,000 followers. She adjusted her diet to reduce oils and sugars and focused on balanced meals with vegetables, grains, and proteins. These changes helped her lose 6kg in just one month.

Others Speak Out on Overwork Obesity

Ouyang's story resonated with many others who shared similar experiences of overwork obesity. One woman from Shanghai, working in the tech industry, revealed that she had gained 3kg in two months due to job stress. “All my willpower was used at work, so I had none left for my life,” she admitted, noting how stress had driven her to overindulge in desserts. This phenomenon is not unique to China. In Singapore, a woman working in the social services sector shared online that she had gained 20kg due to work and family stress.

The Role of China's 996 Work Culture

The pressure of work is exacerbated by the “996” culture—working from 9 am to 9 pm, six days a week—particularly common in tech companies. Despite laws restricting working hours to 40 per week, these regulations are often overlooked. As a result, workers find it difficult to maintain a balanced lifestyle. Zuo Xiaoxia, a nutrition expert, explained that the combination of late dinners, overeating, and lack of sleep were major contributors to “overwork obesity.” She advised individuals to increase their vegetable intake, reduce meat consumption, and avoid letting work interfere with regular meal schedules. Exercise, she emphasized, was also crucial to staying fit despite a demanding work schedule.

Simple Lifestyle Changes to Manage Weight

• Chew food slowly
• Eat more fiber and protein
• Stay hydrated
• Cook meals at home instead of relying on takeout
• Get sufficient sleep

Stories like Ouyang's underscore that stress, poor work-life balance, and unhealthy eating habits can significantly impact physical and mental health. For many, taking steps to regain control—whether through lifestyle changes or career shifts—can make a world of difference.

Addressing Overwork Obesity for Better Health

This rising awareness around overwork obesity highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of job-related stress and encouraging healthier work environments. For those battling the dual burdens of work and weight, it’s not just about cutting calories—it's about finding balance.