Shift work, Nutrition and Cardiometabolic Health
Brought to you by the Workplace, Diet and Health Special Interest Group (SIG)
Shift work is an inherent feature of the modern labour landscape, essential to the functioning of healthcare, emergency services, transport, and many other sectors. Yet, it is also associated with disrupted circadian rhythms, irregular eating patterns, poor sleep, and an increased risk of cardiometabolic conditions- including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Despite growing evidence, shift-working populations often lack tailored nutritional guidance and support. This event brings together researchers and practitioners to explore the intersection of shift work, nutrition, and cardiometabolic health highlighting both the structural risks and the practical opportunities for intervention. The programme spans sociological perspectives on the organisation of night work, current evidence on health risks and gaps in guidelines, and practice-based solutions.
Crucially, the event highlights the role of employers in protecting the health and safety of shift-working employees. Supporting this workforce is not only a public health priority - it is a workplace responsibility. This event offers a timely platform for collaboration across research, policy, and practice to better support an underserved and at-risk population.
Registration and refreshments
Welcome
Dr. Rachel Gibson , Chair Nutrition Society Workplace Diet and Health Special Interest Group
Session 1: Shift work, nutrition and health
The health and safety consequences of nightshift work: structural risks and experiences of workers in a range of industries
Prof. Sian Moore, Deputy Dean of Business and Innovation at the Faculty of Business and Law at Anglia Ruskin University and Dr. Ruth Ballardie, Senior Lecturer at Greenwich University
Chair:TBC
This presentation discusses how structural, organisational and collective bargaining issues shape the health and safety impacts of night work on workers. We draw upon the findings from five qualitative cases studies of workers from five unions (RMT, TASSA, CWU, Community and Equity) within several industries and work settings to consider the impacts on workers' physical and mental health.
Physical activity and shift work
Dr. Emma Sweeney - Principal Lecturer in Sport Science at Nottingham Trent University
The talk will draw on the physical activity research Emma has completed in shift workers, this talk will discuss the results of a recent trial investigating timing of physical activity in shift workers. It also explores the barriers and enablers to implementation.
Nutritional guidelines for shift workers
Dr. Rachel Gibson, Registered Dietitian & Reader in Nutrition and Dietetics at Kings College London
Drawing on several studies that Rachel has completed in shift workers, Rachel will present an overview of the evidence based dietary guidelines for shift workers and what is needed to move the evidence base forward.
Panel Discussion
Lunch break and networking
Session 2: Interventions to Improve health outcomes
Health on the move: lessons from the SHIFT study
Prof. Stacy Clemes, Professor of Active Living and Public Health at Loughborough University
Chair: Deborah David, Registered Dietitian, Deborah David Nutrition
Developed in collaboration with HGV drivers and industry partners, SHIFT (Structured Health Intervention For Truckers) is a lifestyle programme designed to support the health and wellbeing of HGV drivers. At our event, Professor Stacy Clemes will share the principles behind the programme, its impact so far, and what’s next—highlighting how education, health coaching, and practical tools can help drivers adopt healthier habits within the constraints of their job.
Designing health interventions for shift-working first responders
Ali Booker, Registered Dietitian and King’s College London PhD student
Ali Booker, Registered Dietitian and PhD researcher, will present the design phase of her study exploring the impact of shift work on the health of Ministry of Defence Police officers. Drawing on her role as Health and Wellbeing Advisor within the force, she will outline findings from a recent feasibility pilot, highlight key gaps in the literature on First Responder populations, and discuss the challenges of conducting an organisational needs assessment.
Panel Discussion
Case studies from practice:
Chair: Clemence Cleave, Registered Nutritionist, Rocket Fuel Wellbeing Ltd. and Andy Picken, Principal Wellbeing Consultant, HSQE Partnership
Two case studies from practice will be presented by nutritional professionals who have experience of delivering nutrition and wellbeing programmes in organisations with shift workers. This will help shape future research around practicalities of improving health and wellbeing in shift workers. Proposed speakers will be from BDA Work Ready network and AfN registered nutritionists.
Closing remarks and next steps: Dr Rachel Gibson
Networking
Close of event
This is an in-person event only.
Conference address:
National Council for Voluntary Organisations, Society Building, 8 All Saints Street, London N1 9RL
Only ten minutes from Kings Cross Station. Map and directions available here
PLEASE NOTE: Places are limited to 60, and registration will close when capacity is reached or on 21 February 2027, whichever is sooner.
Register now
Member in-person attendance. To benefit from the membership rate, please log in to your membership area before completing the registration.
Non-member in person attendance
Places are limited to 60, and registration will close when capacity is reached or on 21 February 2027, whichever is sooner.