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Published on: February 2, 2017
Overweight and obesity among Dutch workers: differences between occupational groups and sectors
Karin I Proper1, Vincent H Hildebrandt
1Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. KI.Proper@vumc.nl
Summary
Occupational groups show varying rates of overweight and obesity. Strategies to prevent and reduce overweight should be tailored to specific job sectors and demographics.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Public health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Overweight and obesity are significant public health concerns.
- Prevalence varies across different populations and demographic groups.
- Understanding occupational variations is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity across Dutch occupational groups and sectors.
- To assess if these differences persist after accounting for socio-demographic factors.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 7,588 working adults.
- Analysis of body mass index (BMI) by occupational groups and sectors.
- Adjusted analyses for sex, age, and education.
Main Results:
- Average BMI was 24.3 kg/m²; 31% were overweight, 6% obese.
- Highest BMI and obesity rates were in trade, industry, transportation, legislators, and senior managers.
- Scientific and artistic professions had the lowest overweight (25.7%) and obesity (4.2%) rates.
- Age, sex, and education explained some but not all occupational differences in BMI.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences in BMI and overweight/obesity prevalence exist between occupations and sectors.
- Socio-demographic factors partially explain these disparities.
- Tailored, occupation-specific strategies are recommended for overweight prevention and reduction.
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