According to an investigation published in last month’s PloS Medicine, unhealthy eating among shift workers should be considered a novel occupational health hazard. The study highlights prior studies published in the journal, which demonstrated a connection between rotating patterns of shift work in nurses in the U.S., and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

In both the developed and developing world, shift-work is currently an extremely prevalent pattern of work. Approximately 15-20% of working individuals in the US and Europe engage in shift work.

In the health care industry shift work is particularly common. Shift work is notably linked to poor eating patterns, which is made worse by the convenience of junk food in comparison to healthier food options.

According to the researchers, shift work should be considered a specific risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes and obesity, which in the developed work are currently at epidemic proportions, and likely to soon reach these levels in developing countries.

They advise that tough action is required in order to address this problem, i.e. that “governments need to legislate to improve the habits of consumers and take specific steps to ensure that it is easier and cheaper to eat healthily than not.”

The researchers suggest that a poor diet could legally be considered one of the latest forms of occupational hazard. In addition they advise that workplaces, particularly those who employ shift workers, should lead the way in eradicating this problem.

Written by Grace Rattue