A study by the University of Cambridge reveals how the transition into working life significantly influences young adults’ physical activity levels, sleep patterns, and eating habits, with potential long-term health consequences.
The research shows that after beginning work, young people engage in an average of 28 additional minutes of moderate physical activity daily, which decreases by approximately 7 minutes annually. Men and individuals in physically demanding jobs experience the most significant initial increases. However, those working from home see a reduction of 32 minutes of daily physical activity. As Alain Oxenham from the MRC Epidemiology Unit noted,
Sleep duration typically declines by 10 minutes upon entering the workforce, with the reduction stabilizing over time. An exception is observed among individuals without higher education, whose sleep duration decreases. Eating habits, such as fruit and vegetable intake, remain unchanged, signalling a need for targeted strategies to encourage healthier diets among young adults.
Dr Eleanor Winpenny highlighted the role of workplaces in fostering healthier habits, stating:
The findings underscore the importance of promoting an active lifestyle, adequate sleep, and balanced nutrition early in adulthood. These factors are essential in mitigating the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes later in life.
