A Bengaluru techie’s Reddit post about gaining 24 kg over two years due to 14–16-hour workdays has reignited the debate on how toxic work routines are damaging young professionals’ health.
Dr Venugopal Pareek, obesity specialist at Hyderabad’s CARE Hospitals, says many young adults he sees live on minimal sleep, sedentary routines, and junk food. “They live the lift-to-lift life,” he quips—walking only from one elevator to another.
How Quickly Can You Gain Weight?
A daily surplus of just 500 calories can pile on 6–8 kg in six months. Sedentary professionals often unknowingly exceed this through snacks like pastries (500 cal), frappuccinos (600 cal), cookies and chai (300 cal), or soft drinks (140 cal). Without exercise, muscle mass declines and fat accumulates.
Many young people don’t cook at home. One couple told Dr Pareek their gas cylinder lasted nearly a year—they only used it for tea. Breakfast was samosa-kachori, lunch was biryani, evening snacks included Coke and pastries, and dinner meant burgers. Weekend activity? Zero.
Why Stress Makes You Overeat
Long desk hours spike cortisol, the stress hormone, which increases appetite, especially for fatty and sugary foods. It slows metabolism, reduces testosterone, promotes belly fat, and triggers insulin resistance. Poor sleep worsens the issue by boosting hunger hormones (ghrelin) and lowering satiety hormones (leptin).
Weekend Recovery Isn’t Enough
For those who can’t exercise daily, weekend workouts and better meal planning help. Carry home-made meals with fibre, legumes, and protein. Avoid packaged foods. “Take a brisk 20-minute walk on campus—it burns up to 350 calories,” says Dr Pareek.
Read Also: