Demographic, health-related, and work-related factors associated with body mass index and body fat percentage among workers at six Connecticut manufacturing companies across different age groups: a cohort study

Abstract

BackgroundEffective workplace interventions that consider the multifactorial nature of obesity are needed to reduce and prevent obesity among adults. Furthermore, the factors associated with obesity may differ for workers across age groups. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify demographic, health-related, and work-related factors associated with baseline and changes in body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BFP) and among Connecticut manufacturing workers acrossage groups.MethodsBMI and BFPof 758 workers from six Connecticut manufacturing companies were objectively measuredat two time points approximately 36 months apart. Demographic, health-related, and work-related factors wereassessed via questionnaire. All variables were included in linear regression models to identify factors associated with baseline and changes in BMI and BFP for workers in 3 age groups: <45 years (35 %), 45–55 years (37 %), >55 years (28 %).ResultsThere were differences in baseline and changes in BMI and BFP among manufacturing workers across age groups. Being interested in changing weight was significantly (p < 0.01) associated with higher baseline BMI and BFP across all age categories. Other factors associated with higher baseline BMI and BFP differed by age group and included: male gender (BMI p = 0.04), female gender (BFP p < 0.01), not having a college education (BMI p = 0.01, BFP p = 0.04), having childcare responsibilities (BMI p = 0.04), and working less overtime (p = 0.02) among workers in the <45 year age category, male gender (BMI p = 0.02), female gender (BFP p < 0.01) and reporting higher stress in general (BMI p = 0.04) among workers in the 45–55 year age category, and female gender (BFP p < 0.01) and job tenure (BFP p = 0.03) among workers in the >55 year age category. Few factors were associated with change in BMI or BFP across any age category.ConclusionsAmong manufacturing workers, we identified associations between individual, health-related, and work-related factors and baseline BMIand BFP that differed by age. Such results support the use of strategies tailored to the challenges faced by workers in specific age groups rather than adopting a one size fits all approach. Effective interventions should consider a full range of individual, health-related, and work-related factors. More work must be done to identify factors or strategies associated with changes in obesity over time.

The association of the age, period, and birth cohort with 15-year changes in body mass index and waist circumference in adults: Tehran lipid and glucose study (TLGS)

“…Another explanation for the observed association of weight gain with younger birth cohorts could be more job commitments of younger generations and their less time for physical exercises and self-care, delivering them more prone to obesity. In contrast, the individuals born in earlier birth cohorts spent their youth in more active lifestyles and were less exposed to cumulative obesogenic health behaviors [ 35 , 36 ]. Another explanation for the negative impact of birth cohort on men could be related to the survival bias which might be a consequence of premature mortality among older obese individuals [ 37 ].…”

Associations between body mass index and episodic memory for recent eating, mindful eating, and cognitive distraction: A cross‐sectional study

“…Secondly, in fully adjusted models, education and monthly household income were included in addition to age and sex. In alignment with Robinson et al., 35 these confounders were chosen due to known relationships with BMI 44 . Standardized beta coefficients are presented as the eating behavior variables are not in the same units of measurement.…”

“…In alignment with Robinson et al, 35 these confounders were chosen due to known relationships with BMI. 44 Standardized beta coefficients are presented as the eating behavior variables are not in the same units of measurement.…”

Education and Training to Build Capacity in Total Worker Health®

“…Overweight and obese workers, on average, earn lower salaries, are viewed more negatively than others of normal weight, both by supervisors and coworkers, and can be victims of discrimination in the workplace (Judge & Cable, 2011). In one study among manufacturing firms, psychosocial factors associated with higher BMI were found to vary by age with higher overall stress reported among those ages 45-55 years of age (Garza et al, 2015). When obesity is present, companies incur costs linked to absenteeism and both workers and employers have higher medical expenditures (Finkelstein, Fiebelkorn & Wang, 2005).…”