Cortisol, stress, and weight gain: could a shorter work week help your waistline?

Stress can raise cortisol and boost appetite for high-fat, high-sugar foods, which may contribute to weight gain mainly through behavior rather than cortisol itself; chronic high cortisol is linked to belly fat only in rare conditions like Cushing’s. Weight management still hinges on calories in versus calories out, plus sleep, diet quality and regular exercise. The piece also notes that longer working hours may raise obesity risk by reducing time for healthy habits, and it suggests a four-day work week could help some people make healthier choices, though policy changes are needed and there are no quick fixes.