A Chinese woman has reignited discussions about “overwork obesity” after revealing that work-related stress caused her to gain 20 kilogrammes in just one year. Ouyang Wenjing, a 24-year-old from Guangdong in southern China, shared her experience on the social media platform Xiaohongshu. Wenjing stated that her weight jumped from 60 kg to 80 kg during a year of gruelling work conditions.
Wenjing described her employment as a “disaster” for both her psychological and physical well-being. Despite these claims, she chose not to reveal her employer’s name or the specific nature of her job. Her story has sparked renewed debate online about the impact of stress on weight gain, with many calling for increased awareness of the issue.
In an interview with Star Video, Wenjing shared that she felt “much better” after quitting her job in June. The demanding work schedule, which often included long overtime hours and irregular shifts, led her to rely on takeaway meals for every meal. This unhealthy lifestyle contributed significantly to her weight gain.
Wenjing also reflected on her previous efforts to maintain a healthy weight. She revealed that during her time in secondary school, she weighed 105 kg. Over the following four years, she successfully shed 45 kg, but her recent job led her to regain a portion of that weight.
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Wenjing is now working as a freelance weight reduction influencer, with a following of 41,000 on Xiaohongshu. She has since adjusted her diet, focusing on balanced meals with grains, proteins, and vegetables. Her commitment to a healthier lifestyle has paid off, with SCMP reporting that she lost 6 kg in a single month.
Chinese media outlet Health Times spoke with Zuo Xiaoxia, a physician at the People’s Liberation Army No 309 Hospital’s Nutrition Department, who explained that late meals, binge eating, and sleep deprivation often contribute to “overwork obesity.” Dr Zuo advised incorporating more vegetables and less meat into meals and recommended regular exercise to combat weight gain.
What is 'Overwork Obesity'?
“Overwork obesity” is a term increasingly used to describe weight gain resulting from the chronic stress and unhealthy lifestyle habits associated with excessive work demands. This condition is particularly prevalent in high-pressure environments where long working hours, irregular schedules, and insufficient time for self-care are the norm.
Employees caught in such situations often resort to quick, unhealthy meals, typically delivered to their desks, and have little time or energy for physical exercise. The stress of meeting relentless work deadlines can also lead to overeating as a coping mechanism, further contributing to weight gain.
Experts warn that the lifestyle associated with overwork—irregular eating habits, reliance on fast food deliveries, and lack of exercise—can have devastating effects on health. Doctors and experts believe combination of late dinners, overeating, and sleep deprivation lead to significant weight gain.
Overwork obesity also heightens the risk of developing serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension, along with mental health issues.
A 30-year-old painter died of organ failure in June after enduring 104 consecutive workdays with just a single day of rest in another from China's Zhejiang.
A court found that the man's death was directly linked to his extreme work schedule, ruling that his employer was 20 percent responsible for the tragedy.
The ‘996’ Work Culture
Despite existing labour laws that cap work hours at 40 per week, many Chinese companies, particularly in the tech sector, routinely flout these regulations. The notorious “996” work culture—where employees are expected to work from 9 am to 9 pm, six days a week—remains prevalent, with few job opportunities offering the respite of a full two-day weekend.
On the popular online forum Douban, members of a “workaholic” group lamented the scarcity of jobs that respect the legal work hour limits, South China Morning Post reported.
Similarly in India, millions of people work beyond the usual hours – due to work pressure or just by choice, often ignoring signs of health issues associated with a stressful lifestyle.
Beyond China: A Global Issue
While the case of Ouyang Wenjing has sparked a conversation about “overwork obesity” in China, it's important to recognize that this is a global issue. Many countries around the world are grappling with similar challenges, where a culture of long work hours and demanding work environments is taking a toll on the physical and mental well-being of employees.
In many parts of the world, employees are often expected to be constantly available and responsive, blurring the lines between work and personal life. This leads to increased stress levels and can contribute to unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as poor diet and lack of exercise.
The Need for Change
The growing awareness of “overwork obesity” highlights the urgent need for change in work culture and workplace policies. This includes promoting a healthier work-life balance, advocating for reasonable working hours, and encouraging employers to prioritize the well-being of their employees.
It's also crucial for individuals to prioritize their own well-being and take steps to manage stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle, even in demanding work environments. This might involve setting boundaries between work and personal time, making time for exercise, and ensuring they are eating healthy, balanced meals.
In conclusion, the case of Ouyang Wenjing serves as a powerful reminder of the potential health consequences of a culture of overwork. The need to address this issue is not just a matter of individual health, but also a societal one, with implications for productivity, economic growth, and overall well-being. The time for change is now, before more people suffer the devastating consequences of “overwork obesity” and other work-related health issues.
