Traditionally only a small proportion of the workforce was engaged in shift work. Changing economic pressures have resulted in increased engagement in shift work, with approximately 17 % of the workforce in Europe engaged in this work pattern. The present narrative review aimed to summarise the data on the effects of shift work on the diet, lifestyle and health of employees, while addressing the barriers to, and opportunities for, improving health among shift workers. Shift work can result in low-quality diet and irregular eating patterns. Adverse health behaviours are also reported; particularly increased smoking and poor sleep patterns. These altered lifestyle habits, in conjunction with disruption to circadian rhythms, can create an unfavourable metabolic phenotype which facilitates the development and progression of chronic disease. Although the data are inconclusive due to issues such as poor study design and inadequate control for confounding factors; shift workers appear to be at increased mental and physical health risk, particularly with regard to non-communicable diseases. Information is lacking on the obstacles to leading a healthier lifestyle while working shifts, and where opportunities lie for intervention and health promotion among this group. In order to provide an informed evidence base to assist shift workers in overcoming associated occupational hazards, this gap must be addressed. This review highlights the unique nutritional issues faced by shift workers, and the subsequent effect on health. In societies already burdened with increased incidence of non-communicable chronic diseases, there is a clear need for education and behaviour change interventions among this group.
Shift work affects many areas of workers' lives, negatively impacting on eating and lifestyle behaviours and psychosocial health. This study augments the current literature as it highlights the role internal motivation plays in workers' lifestyle choices. The research should help inform the development of public health strategies to minimize the impact of shift work, such as specialist behavioural change interventions specific to this group.
Investing in employee health is beneficial, particularly among shift workers, who are at an increased health risk. Adopting organizational policies and environmental changes as a core strategy for workplace health promotion may create an environment that makes healthier choices more accessible to all employees.
Background Approximately 17% of the European Union workforce is engaged in shift work. Shift work has been associated with a number of chronic conditions, including obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the dietary and lifestyle behaviours of shift workers with a healthy vs. overweight/obese body mass index (BMI). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1080 shift workers using a 15-min, telephone-administered questionnaire developed from qualitative research on Irish shift workers and national dietary intake data. Demographic and work-related factors, as well as dietary and lifestyle behaviours were recorded. BMI was calculated using self-reported height and weight. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression methods were used to analyze data according to BMI category. Results Over 40% of shift workers were classified as overweight or obese. Multivariate analysis indicated that being male [P < 0.001, aOR = 2.102, 95% CI (1.62–2.73)] and middle- or older-aged were independently associated with overweight and obesity [P < 0.001, aOR = 2.44 95% CI (1.84–3.24) and P < 0.001, aOR = 2.9 95% CI (1.94–4.35), respectively]. Having a medium–high consumption of fried foods was independently associated with overweight and obesity [aOR = 1.38, 95% CI (1.06–1.8)]. Conclusions Similar to the general population, overweight and obesity were strongly associated with male sex and middle- or older-age. Male shift workers may benefit from targeted dietary and lifestyle advice specifically focused on limiting fried foods to help protect against overweight and obesity.
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