Occupational differences for nutrient intake and physical-activity levels in young and middle-aged men

Physical demands may vary between white collar and blue collar occupations when evaluating specific physiological differences such as one's weight, body mass index and body fat percentage.

To explore nutritional, anthropometric, and physical-activity differences between young and middle-aged WC and BC workers.

Ninety-one male participants aged 19-64 that were either WC and/or BC workers completed a 3-day food recall, modified Baecke Questionnaire, and had their height, weight, body mass index and body fat percentage measured. Participants were classified as: young-white-collar, young-blue-collar, middle-white-collar or middle-blue-collar workers.

No nutritional differences within ages or between occupations were reported. Body mass index and body fat percentage were lower for young vs. middle-aged workers. Lastly, physical-activity at work was higher for young and middle-aged Blue collar workers, while White collar workers participated in more physical activity outside of work.

The present findings suggest that the observed increases in body fat percentage and body mass index with age, are independent of occupation.