Long‐Term Effects of Obesity on Employment and Work Limitations Among U.S. Adults, 1986 to 1999

Abstract

TUNCELI, KAAN, KEMENG LI, AND L. KEOKI WILLIAMS. Long-term effects of obesity on employment and work limitations among U. S. adults, 1986S. adults, to 1999S. adults, .Obesity. 200614:1637-1646. Objective: To determine the relationships between BMI and workforce participation and the presence of work limitations in a U.S. working-age population. Research Methods and Procedures:We used data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, a nationwide prospective cohort, to estimate the effect of obesity in 1986 on employment and work limitations in 1999. Individuals were classified into the following weight categories: underweight (BMI Ͻ 18.5), normal weight (18.5 Յ BMI Ͻ 25), overweight (25 Յ BMI Ͻ 30), and obese (BMI Ն 30). Using multivariable probit models, we estimated the relationships between obesity and both employment and work disability. All analyses were stratified by sex. Results: After adjusting for baseline sociodemographic characteristics, smoking status, exercise, and self-reported health, obesity was associated with reduced employment at follow-up [men: marginal effect (ME) Ϫ4.8 percentage points (pp); p Ͻ 0.05; women: ME Ϫ5.8 pp; p Ͻ 0.10]. Among employed women, being either overweight or obese was associated with an increase in self-reported work limitations when compared with normal-weight individuals (overweight: ME ϩ3.9 pp; p Ͻ 0.01; obese: ME ϩ12.6 pp; p Ͻ 0.01). Among men, the relationship between obesity and work limitations was not statistically significant.Discussion: Obesity appears to result in future productivity losses through reduced workforce participation and increased work limitations. These findings have important implications in the U.S., which is currently experiencing a rise in the prevalence of obesity.

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