According to published research, night shift workers are almost a third more likely to be obese, raising the risk of heart disease, various cancers, and diabetes. They are also more than a third more likely to be 'apple-shaped', which means they have the most dangerous type of belly fat.
Those on permanent nights were most affected compared with those on rotating shifts.. But researchers said altering work patterns to avoid prolonged unsocial hours might help reduce the problem.
One in eight British employees works nights, with women mostly working in the nursing and care sector while men are more likely to be in security, policing and transport.
This research, using the data from 28 previous studies, found night workers were 29 per cent more likely to be obese. They were 35 per cent more likely to have dangerous abdominal fat.
The Hong Kong study says exposure to artificial light disturbs the natural body clock. This affects production of the hormone Melatonin, which helps to regulate metabolism. Sleeping during the day also, apparently, burns fewer calories than during the night.
Researcher Professor Shelly Lap-ah Tse said: "Modification of working schedules to avoid prolonged exposure to long-term night shift work might be an efficient control to reduce the risk of obesity."
HMHB says; we all have a responsibility for what we eat, and how we react to situations. Working nights itself will not affect body size - that is down to nutrition (and of course the possibility of a few dangerous health issues). You choose what you eat, when you eat, and the amount. But clearly, you need to be even more focused if working nights.
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