Work Stress and Weight Gain: How One Woman’s Job Led to a 20 kg Increase in Just a Year

A Chinese woman’s story of gaining 20 kg within a year of starting a new job has sparked discussions about overwork obesity in China.

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Ouyang Wenjing, a 24-year-old woman from Guangdong Province, China, revealed on the local social media platform Xiaohongshu that her weight increased from 60 kg (about 132 lbs) to 80 kg (around 176 lbs) within one year of starting her job.

She attributed her weight gain to overtime work, irregular shift schedules, and excessive takeout food consumption.

After resigning in June, Ouyang reported losing 6 kg within a month by switching to a balanced diet rich in vegetables, grains, and proteins. She is now active as a diet influencer with 41,000 followers.

As Ouyang’s story gained attention, female netizens voiced their frustrations, focusing on the issue of so-called overwork obesity.

A 33-year-old woman working at a tech company in Shanghai shared on Xiaohongshu that she gained 3 kg within two months due to work-related stress, stating, “I’ve used all my willpower at work, and I have none left for my personal life.”

Although China’s labor laws officially stipulate a 40-hour workweek, the 996 work culture—working from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week—remains widespread.

Zhou Xiaoxia, a doctor affiliated with Chinese health authorities, pointed out that “late-night meals, overeating, and lack of sleep can lead to overwork obesity,” stressing the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular meals, vegetable intake, and conditioning.