[Prevalance of overweight and obesity among professional bus drivers in Mexico]

Identify the prevalence of overweight and obesity among professional bus drivers working in the federal public transport system (BDPTS) examined at the Transport Ministry (TM) in Mexico City.

Data from 4804 men, who attended the TM for their medical evaluation needed to obtain a driver's license were included in the study. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated for each subject. A linear regression model was constructed to compare BMI of those already working as bus drivers and subjects applying for license expedition (controlling for age).

Mean age, weight and height was: 35.7 years-old (+/- 9.3), 78.4 kg (+/- 11.1), 167.3 cm (+/- 5.5), respectively. 10.2% of subjects displayed short stature (< or =160 cm). In the BDPTS, among the 20-29 age range, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 52.7% and 22.5%, respectively; the age group with the highest prevalence of obesity (33.4%) was the 40-49 years-old.

We observed a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among bus drivers examined, with young adults also affected by these conditions. It seems that the prevalence of overweight found in our sample of professional bus drivers was higher than the one of the general Mexican population. Weight control programs are needed for this group of workers.