Wellbeing study | How starting work affects young adults' sleep, diet & physical activity

A new study has shed light on how young adults' health behaviours change when they start work for the first time, revealing shifts in physical activity, sleep, and diet that could have long-term implications for wellbeing. The research, published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, analysed data from over 3,300 participants aged 16-30, tracking their habits before and after employment.

Physical activity: An initial boost that declines over time

One of the study’s most striking findings was the change in physical activity levels. Upon entering the workforce, young adults experienced a significant increase in daily activity, measured in Metabolic Equivalent Tasks (METs). The study found an initial rise of 113.3 MET-minutes per day, roughly equivalent to 30 minutes of moderate exercise. However, this increase was not sustained, with activity levels declining over time after starting work at a rate of 26.7 MET-minutes per day per year.

The type of employment played a crucial role in this trend. Those in lower socioeconomic jobs, particularly those without university degrees, saw the most significant initial increase in activity. Men also experienced a greater boost than women. Conversely, individuals who worked from home saw a decline in physical activity, highlighting the impact of remote work on movement levels.

Sleep: A modest but concerning decline

While sleep duration remained relatively stable over time, the transition into work was associated with an immediate decrease of 9.74 minutes per night on average. Although this reduction may seem small, the cumulative effect over months and years could have consequences for overall health and wellbeing.