Young adults experience a significant increase in physical activity when they start working, only to see a decline in the following years, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge. This study sheds light on the impact of transitioning into the workforce on health-related behaviors such as physical activity, sleep patterns, and dietary habits.
The research, published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, analyzed data from over 3,000 participants in the UK Household Longitudinal Study who were between the ages of 16 and 30 and started working for the first time between 2015 and 2023. The findings revealed that individuals in semi-routine and routine occupations, as well as technical jobs, showed a significant increase in physical activity upon entering the workforce. However, this increase gradually declined over time.
Interestingly, individuals working from home experienced a decrease in physical activity levels initially, equivalent to around 32 minutes of moderate activity per day. On the other hand, those with office-based jobs or managerial positions did not show significant changes in their physical activity levels.
In terms of sleep patterns, the study found that young adults experienced a slight decrease in the amount of sleep they got per night when they started working. This decrease was more pronounced among individuals without a university degree, with a continuing decline in sleep duration each year after entering the workforce. In contrast, those with a university degree gradually increased their sleep duration back to pre-work levels.
Dietary habits, specifically the consumption of fruits and vegetables, remained relatively stable after individuals started working. The study emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle during the transition into the workforce to prevent long-term health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Dr. Eleanor Winpenny, lead researcher of the study, highlighted the need for workplaces to promote healthier behaviors among young adults. Creating environments that support physical activity, healthy eating, and adequate sleep can benefit employees in the short term by reducing sick days and in the long term by preventing chronic health conditions.
Overall, the study underscores the significance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle during the critical period of young adulthood when individuals are establishing work routines and habits that can impact their health in the future. By prioritizing physical activity, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet, young adults can set the foundation for a healthy and fulfilling life.
