Every 90 seconds, someone dies from cardiovascular disease in Brazil, according to the Brazilian Society of Cardiology.
A new analysis from UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles), conducted in 2025 with 20,000 working-age adults, reveals that self-employment — especially among women — is associated with significantly lower rates of obesity, physical inactivity, and poor sleep, three major risk factors for heart problems.
Here’s what that means for anyone considering a self-employed career, freelancing, or seeking more flexibility in their current job.
How Self-Employment Impacts Health
The UCLA study used data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a rigorous program combining in-person exams, objective health indicators, and detailed questionnaires.
Researchers examined factors such as BMI (Body Mass Index), blood pressure, exercise frequency, and sleep patterns to form a comprehensive picture of participants’ cardiovascular health.
Key Findings
- Self-employed women were 7.4% less likely to be obese, 7% less likely to be physically inactive, and 9.4% less likely to report insufficient sleep compared to women in traditional jobs.
- These patterns held even after adjusting for age, education, marital status, income, and access to health insurance.
For men, self-employment did not yield the same heart-health benefits. Among Black and Hispanic men, the health benefits of entrepreneurship were either neutral or even reversed.
The study focused on modifiable risk factors (weight, activity, sleep), which are strong predictors of future cardiovascular disease.
Why Entrepreneurship Supports Heart Health
Why does self-employment benefit women’s health more than traditional employment? The study’s authors and other experts point to the “demand-control model,” a theory suggesting that autonomy — control over tasks and schedules — reduces work stress and its physical impacts.
“There’s a clear link between self-employment and reduced cardiac risk factors, especially among women,” explains Dr. Kimberly Narain, lead author of the study and professor of medicine at UCLA.
“It’s essential to better understand how the work environment affects our health so we can build healthier workplaces for everyone.”
Research from Harvard and other institutions has increasingly shown that high job autonomy is associated with better cardiovascular outcomes — particularly for women.
Unlike traditional jobs, which often come with rigid hours, mandatory meetings, and less flexibility for personal well-being, self-employment may allow:
- Midday walks, medical appointments, or family tasks without corporate approval
- Home-cooked meals and flexible breaks instead of rushed lunches or all-day screen time
- Adjusting workload based on stress or energy levels, promoting better sleep and energy
- Designing a daily routine that honors one’s natural mental and physical rhythms
What About Men?
Despite clear benefits for women, the study found men didn’t enjoy the same cardiovascular advantages from self-employment.
Experts suggest possible reasons:
- Type of work: Men are more likely to do temporary or physically demanding freelance jobs with irregular hours, increasing stress and harming sleep.
- Support networks: Research shows women typically have stronger social and community support systems that help buffer the challenges of entrepreneurship.
- Structural inequality: Minority men often face greater financial instability and reduced access to healthcare when self-employed.
These findings highlight that entrepreneurship is not a one-size-fits-all solution — and that public health and workplace policies must consider structural and demographic differences.
What Employers Can Learn
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women in Brazil and worldwide — surpassing even cancer — yet it’s also highly preventable. Changes in weight, physical activity, and sleep make a big difference.
Companies that care about employee well-being — and long-term productivity — can contribute by offering:
- Genuine flexibility: Focus on outcomes and results rather than hours or physical presence.
- Whole-person care: Go beyond gym perks and provide time and resources for preventive care, mental health, and healthy routines.
- Trust-based management: Reward performance and initiative over screen time; support staff in shaping workdays around their health needs.
- Equitable access: Ensure all employees — regardless of gender or background — have access to flexibility and health support.
Tips for Current or Aspiring Entrepreneurs
If you’re already self-employed or thinking of taking the leap, you can enhance the health benefits with a few mindful habits:
- Plan for financial stability: A savings cushion lowers stress during slow months.
- Move regularly: Build in active breaks, even short walks.
- Prioritize sleep: Set boundaries for screens and late-night work.
- Eat well: Use your home-based schedule to cook nutritious meals.
- Stay connected: Don’t isolate — cultivate a network of peers, mentors, and support communities.
Caroline Castrillon is a contributor to Forbes USA. She’s a corporate leadership coach helping women navigate career transitions.
Source: Forbes
