[Body compositions characteristic in male manual workers: age as a central factor]

Morbidity and mortality statistics show a shift in the morbidity structure in Hungary. Those diseases have become increasingly common that are related to lifestyle. Detecting health risk factors across different age, gender and other groups is therefore a priority.

The purpose of the study is to present anthropometric variables related to the health status of male physical workers by age groups and to identify critical age stages.

Male manual workers (n = 179) were recruited on a voluntary basis. Body composition was assessed using the Inbody 720 instrument. Measured and calculated characteristics included body mass index, relative muscle and fat mass, waist-to-hip ratio and visceral fat. The age dependence of the variables is presented by linear regression analysis, and the relationship between variables was characterized by correlation coefficients.

A significant number of anthropometric variables are not within the healthy range. All of the variables show age dependence, but no critical age or age range could be identified. The relationship between the anthropometric methods is significant.

A large number of male manual workers, regardless of age, can be identified as having a body composition that poses a clear health risk.

Complex workplace health promotion programs should be launched to reduce the risk. These should include active and health-conscious lifestyles for all age groups. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(3): 96-103.