Factors attributing to obesity among working adults in Egypt

Abstract

Obesity is a growing epidemic problem. Many environmental factors at the workplace like occupational stress and job satisfaction attribute to obesity either as a cause or consequence. Other seriously contributing factors are of socio-demographic and health-related nature. The present study aimed to investigate the association between some environmental and health-related variables and obesity in terms of Body Mass Index (BMI) among working adults in Egypt. A cross-sectional study was carried on a convenient sample of 86 males and females working in the public sector. All participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale, Falsification of Type quiz, Andrews and Withey test for Job Satisfaction and a sheet for socio-demographic, health and workrelated data. Blood samples were obtained and assessments of cortisol, C-reactive protein, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and total thyroxin were done using the ELISA technique. Total cholesterol and triglycerides were assessed colourimetrical. BMI and W/H were calculated. Pearson correlation test was performed for statistical analysis. Advanced age, female gender, presence of chronic diseases, presence of mental health problems, increased level of CRP and decreased level of DHEA-S were factors showing a significant correlation with increased BMI. In conclusion, an extensive study of predictors of obesity is a crucial need among working adults in Egypt.