Association Between Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption as Meal Substitutes, Workload, and Obesity in Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: High occupational stress has been associated with altered eating behaviors and obesity. Occupational stress is reported to be high in Asian countries. Furthermore, many Asian countries are increasingly consuming Western-type foods (e.g., incorporating drinks with meals) which collectively may also be contributing to obesity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine (a) associations between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption as meal replacement and obesity and (b) associations between workload and substituting meals with SSB in nurses. Methods: A representative sample of 854 hospital-based nurses completed a structured questionnaire about SSB consumption, workload, and body mass index (BMI). Log binomial regression models were employed to test associations between SSBs and obesity rates and associations between workload and SSBs. Results: Most participants (57.6%) consumed SSBs as meal replacements during work. This was related to high workloads during shifts. Substituting SSBs for meals was significantly associated with increased likelihood of obesity (aPRR = 1.4, 95% CI (1.1, 1.7)). Workload was positively associated with SSB intake as meal substitutes (aPRR = 1.4, 95% CI (1.2, 1.6)). Conclusions: Our findings show that SSBs are used as meal substitutes and is due to the workload demands. Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption is also positively associated with the increased likelihood of obesity. Interventions that modify workloads and decrease SSB consumption may improve workers' eating behaviors and health.

The global prevalence of overweight and obesity among nurses: A systematic review and meta‐analyses

“…A potential explanation for the association between shift work and obesity is the disruption in circadian rhythm, which results in an imbalance of glucose and lipid metabolism (Chew, Ang, et al, 2022; Wang et al, 2014). Additionally, individuals working the night shifts have been shown to have an increased preference for foods high in sugar and fat, potentially to stay awake (Chew, Gao, et al, 2022; Fradkin et al, 2019; Lin et al, 2019; Peplonska et al, 2019). Despite working in the healthcare sector and having knowledge regarding the importance of maintaining their metabolic health, nurses still face many barriers in adopting healthy behaviours.…”

Association between self-reported food intake and subjective sleep quality among truck drivers in a city in Southern Brazil

“…Associated with strenuous and stressful work conditions, like higher workloads (>12 hours/day) and shift work can be associated with worse sleep quality in general population [ 42 ]. In shift nurses, it was observed a higher intake of sweetened drinks and shorter period to have meals associated with worse sleep quality [ 43 ].…”

“…Therefore, it is impossible to know if the associations can be extrapolated to other populations, because of the labor conditions those population is exposed. It is known that shift workers can present a similar pattern of sleep and food intake [ 40 , 50 , 51 ], with a higher intake of energetic and sweetened drinks, even high-processed foods [ 41 , 43 , 52 ]. In this present research, it was not observed interactions between sweetened drinks and worse pattern of sleep.…”

Snacking among shiftwork nurses related to non‐optimal dietary intake

“…Furthermore, previous studies suggested that time and accessibility were other factors influencing shift workers' food choices and dietary intake (Bonnell et al, 2017 ). Workload has been linked to meal substitution using SSBs (Lin et al, 2019 ). Stress and time constraints in the workplace may increase workers' consumption of low‐nutrient foods (Leung et al, 2018 ).…”