Behavioral Variables Associated with Obesity in Police Officers

Abstract

Past research has documented that non-behavioral variables (such as long work hours, exposure to police stressors) are associated with obesity risk in police officers, but limited research has examined behavioral variables that might be targeted by Employee Assistance Programs for police weight management. The present study compared non-obese and obese officers for behavioral variables found associated with obesity in other adult samples: physical activity (cardiovascular, strength-training, stretching), sleep duration, and consumption of alcohol, fruit and vegetables, and snack foods. Participants included 172 male police officers who completed questionnaires to report height and weight, used to calculate body mass index (BMI = kg/m2) and to divide them into “non-obese” and “obese” groups. They also reported the above behaviors and six non-behavioral variables found associated with obesity risk: age, health problems, family support, police work hours, police stressors, police support. ANCOVAs compared each behavioral variable across obesity status (non-obese, obese), with the six non-behavioral variables used as covariates. Results revealed that cardiovascular and strength-training physical activity were the only behavioral variables that differed significantly between non-obese and obese police officers. The use of self-reported height and weight values may provide Employee Assistance Program with improved cost, time, and officer participation.

Job stress and behavioral characteristics in relation to coronary heart disease risk among Japanese police officers

“…These proportions greatly exceeded the general prevalence within the same age strata of the Japanese population 34 ) . The much higher rate of obesity among the police officers was also highlighted by other studies 6 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 35 ) and might be regarded as one of the key reasons for more adverse CHD risk levels among them.…”

“…There are very few studies that have examined the personality traits of police officers in relation to the risk for CHD 35 ) . It is well recognized that a certain behavioral characteristic, known as the type A behavior pattern, has been found to increase the risk for developing CHD in Western studies 25 ) .…”

Body mass index in a group of security forces (policemen). Cross-sectional study

“…Found in a group of North American policemen that sleep disorders were common and were signi icantly associated with their health status, their performance and their own safety [12]. Report that central adiposity is related to heart disease and alcohol consumption, which in itself is a risk factor for these diseases [13]. Studied 7 behavioral variables that could be associated with obesity in police of icers: cardiovascular physical activity, strength training, extension training, sleep hours, alcohol consumption, fruits, vegetables and snacks (snacks: foods rich in fat, sugar and salt) and 6 non-behavioral variables: age, health problems, family support, work hours, work stress and police support, inding a range of obesity in men of 41.9% similar to other studies , but higher than in the general US population 35.5%.…”

The Physical Activity Wearables in the Police Force (PAW-Force) study:Acceptability and impact 

“…Studies in various countries have indicated that the police force has a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and health conditions, including high body mass index (BMI) and obesity (5,6), metabolic syndrome (7,8) and cardiovascular disease (9)(10)(11). Evidence suggests that the prevalence of these conditions is higher than in the general population (10)(11)(12), with the aforementioned lifestyle factors (e.g.…”

“…A physically active lifestyle will potentially mitigate the health risks associated with the policing occupation (6,8). In addition to enhancing the wellbeing of individuals, there may be potential organisational bene ts such as improved productivity and reduced absenteeism (13,14).…”