Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Polish Armed Forces soldiers and to analyze risk factors impacting body mass. In total, 1096 male, Caucasian soldiers (36.31 ± 8.03 years) participated in this study. Anthropometric data were obtained, and questionnaires evaluated sociodemographic, environmental, behavioral and biological factors known to be associated with obesity. Only 33% of the total number of participants had normal body weight, and 17.3% were considered obese (according to WHO criteria). The results showed that being 40 years or older, sleeping six hours or less per day, more frequent reaching for food in stressful situations, having a mother with excessive body weight, not exercising or exercising at most two days per week, and spending two hours a day or more in front of the TV increase the risk of obesity. Taken together, the results show that factors such as family history of obesity, dietary habits, physical activity, length of sleep and ability to cope with stress could be used to identify soldiers at higher risk of developing obesity in order to provide them with personalized prevention programs.
Highlights
Epidemiological data indicate that overweight and obesity are two of the main public health problems
The results of the analysis showed that six or less hours of sleep per day increased the risk of obesity by 74% (OR = 1.74; 95% confidence intervals (CIs): 1.19–2.54) in the study group with respect to those who slept seven or more hours (Table 5)
According to a report published in 2021 by the National Institute of Public Health–National Research Institute, in Poland, overweight occurs in 52.4% of men and 32% of women, and obesity occurs in 16.5% and 16.2%, respectively
Summary
Epidemiological data indicate that overweight and obesity are two of the main public health problems. They affect all age groups and countries all over the world regardless of their developmental stage [1–4]. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased dramatically in the general population over the past decades. 39% of adults worldwide are overweight and. It is widely accepted that occupational factors may play an important role in the occurrence of excessive body weight [6,7]. As an occupational group, are more exposed to stress, harmful environmental factors and limitations in food selection or availability, especially during military exercises or military missions [8,9]
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