Abstract
This study explores associations between BMI and prolonged sickness absence; cutting down at work; and health-related job loss (HRJL) over two years of follow-up among workers aged ≥50 years. A cohort of 2299 men and 2425 women (aged 50–64 years) self-reported height and weight at baseline and provided information about work ability at 12 and 24 months for the Health and Employment after Fifty (HEAF) Study. Associations between BMI and work ability were assessed by logistic regression and HRJL by multiple-record Cox’s proportional hazards models, with adjustment for other risk factors. The prevalence of obesity/severe obesity was 22.6%/1.2% amongst men and 21.4%/2.6% amongst women, respectively. In men and women, obesity and severe obesity predicted having to cut down at work for health over two years. In women, severe obesity predicted prolonged sickness absence, and also HRJL even after adjustment for age, proximity to retirement, financial difficulties, and lifestyle factors (hazard ratio [HR] 2.93, 95% CI 1.38, 6.23), and additional adjustment for health conditions (HR 2.52, 95% CI 1.12, 5.67). Obesity, and particularly severe obesity, negatively impacts work ability amongst people aged 50–64 years, with greatest effects in women. Obesity can be expected to hinder attempts to encourage work to older ages.
Highlights
Obesity is a major and growing public health problem, with future global projections estimating that there will be more than one billion people affected by 2030 [1]
Men and women with obesity or severe obesity were: less likely to own their own homes; more likely to report that they were struggling financially; more likely to do no leisure-time physical activity; less likely to drink any weekly alcohol and more likely to report that they were struggling to cope with the physical demands of their work (Table 1; Table 2)
The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, and common mental health conditions was increased amongst men and women with obesity and severe obesity
Summary
Obesity is a major and growing public health problem, with future global projections estimating that there will be more than one billion people affected by 2030 [1]. Obesity and overweight are linked to more deaths worldwide than underweight (except in parts of sub-Saharan Africa and Asia) because they are major risk factors for non-communicable diseases including: diabetes; cardiovascular diseases; musculoskeletal disorders, and common mental health conditions [2,3,4]. In Western countries, there have been dramatic changes in population demographics caused by increased longevity coupled with declining birth rates. This has led to reshaping of populations with increased proportions of economically inactive older people.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
