Do you work long hours? You might want to cut back after you read the following, because some new research has revealed that long hours are actually harmful to women’s health.

The Irish Daily Star reports that women who work more than 35 hours every single week are more likely to be exhausted, have a low mood and put on weight, according to a study conducted in Australia.

The research found that ambitious, career-driven women tend to forsake healthy food, exercise and sleep simply because they are so caught up with the pressures of their working lives. The study also revealed that women who work 49 hours or more ever week are more likely to smoke and drink.

The study was led by Dr Nicole Au from the Monash University in Australia, and it analysed 9,276 women over the course of two years.

The results showed that 55 per cent of overworked women put on weight during that time and some women reported “extreme” amounts of weight gain. The women who were most likely to experience a few extra pounds were females who worked over 35 hours a week.

“This study highlights the increasing number of women entering the workforce and the effects on their ability to maintain a healthy weight,” said Dr Au.

“Longer work hours may reduce the time spent preparing home-cooked meals, exercising and sleeping, which are risk factors for obesity,” she added.

Experts have advised that women who work long hours should try to slot in an hour of exercise two or three times a week in order to keep their health in check.