It’s no secret that obesity has become a major issue in our society. According to the CDC, over 42% of adults in the United States are considered obese.

While there are many factors that contribute to obesity, such as diet and lack of exercise, there’s another factor that’s often overlooked: working evenings.

What is Shift Work?

Shift work refers to any job that requires employees to work outside of the typical 9 to 5 workday. This can include work that starts early in the morning or late at night, and can also include rotating shifts.

While some jobs have always required shift work, such as medical professionals and emergency responders, it’s becoming more common in other industries as well, such as retail and manufacturing.

How Does Working Evenings Impact Your Health?

Research has shown that working evenings and other non-traditional shifts can have a negative impact on your health. Shift work can disrupt your body’s natural circadian rhythm, which can lead to a variety of health issues, such as:.

Insomnia
Depression
Anxiety
Cardiovascular disease
Diabetes

In addition to these health issues, working evenings can also make it more difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

People who work evenings may not have access to healthy food options, as many restaurants and grocery stores close earlier in the evening. They may also find it difficult to find time to exercise, as they may be too tired or have other commitments during the day.

How Does Working Evenings Contribute to Obesity?

There are several ways that working evenings can contribute to obesity:.

Lack of Exercise

As mentioned earlier, people who work evenings may have a harder time finding time to exercise.

They may also be too tired after work to exercise, or may need to spend their free time taking care of other responsibilities, such as children or household chores. This lack of exercise can lead to weight gain over time.

Poor Food Choices

People who work evenings may not have access to healthy food options, either at work or at home. They may also be more likely to eat fast food and other unhealthy options because they don’t have time to cook a healthy meal.

Additionally, people who work evenings may be more likely to eat late at night, which can disrupt their natural eating schedule and lead to weight gain.

Disrupted Sleep Patterns

Shift work can disrupt your body’s natural sleep patterns, which can lead to weight gain. Research has shown that people who work evenings are more likely to have disrupted sleep patterns, which can lead to cravings for high-fat, high-sugar foods.

Additionally, disrupted sleep patterns can also lead to decreased metabolism, which can make it harder to lose weight.

How Can You Combat the Effects of Working Evenings on Your Health?

If you work evenings or other non-traditional shifts, there are several things you can do to maintain your health:.

Eat Healthy

Even if you don’t have access to healthy food options at work, you can still make healthy choices at home. Cook healthy meals in advance and bring them to work with you.

If you do need to eat out, choose healthier options such as salads or grilled chicken instead of fast food.

Exercise

Make exercise a priority, even if it means waking up early or staying up late. Find an exercise routine that works for you and stick to it, even on your days off.

If you don’t have time for a full workout, try incorporating more movement into your day, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

Sleep Well

Try to establish a regular sleep schedule, even on your days off. Make your bedroom a peaceful and relaxing environment, and try to avoid screens for at least an hour before bed.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about possible solutions.

The Bottom Line

Working evenings can have a negative impact on your health, and can contribute to obesity. However, with some careful planning and lifestyle adjustments, it’s possible to maintain your health even if you work non-traditional shifts.

If you’re struggling with the effects of working evenings on your health, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian for advice on creating a healthy lifestyle.