Abstract
Job strain, the most widely used indicator of work stress, is a risk factor for obesity-related disorders such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. However, the extent to which job strain is related to the development of obesity itself has not been systematically evaluated. We carried out a systematic review (PubMed and Embase until May 2014) and meta-analysis of cohort studies to address this issue. Eight studies that fulfilled inclusion criteria showed no overall association between job strain and the risk of weight gain (pooled odds ratio for job strain compared with no job strain 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.99–1.09, NTotal=18 240) or becoming obese (1.00, 95% CI 0.89–1.13, NTotal=42 222). In addition, a reduction in job strain over time was not associated with lower obesity risk (1.13, 95% CI 0.90–1.41, NTotal=6507). These longitudinal findings do not support the hypothesis that job strain is an important risk factor for obesity or a promising target for obesity prevention.
Highlights
IntroductionThe most widely studied work-related psychosocial stressor, is seen as influencing the risk of obesity.[5,6] In agreement with this, meta-analyses have linked job strain to obesity in crosssectional[7] and to an increased risk of obesity-related disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and stroke in longitudinal studies.[8,9,10] the extent to which job strain is related to weight gain and the development of obesity itself is poorly understood,[11,12,13,14] because quantitative reviews to confirm or refute these longitudinal associations are lacking
The obesity epidemic is a major public health challenge.[1]
The pooled odds ratio did not show an association between job strain and gaining weight (1.04,18–20,22 in two studies an association was observed in women (1.80, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) 1.00–3.24 in Shields et al.[20] and 1.25, 95% CI 1.05–1.49 in Roos et al.).[22]
Summary
The most widely studied work-related psychosocial stressor, is seen as influencing the risk of obesity.[5,6] In agreement with this, meta-analyses have linked job strain to obesity in crosssectional[7] and to an increased risk of obesity-related disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and stroke in longitudinal studies.[8,9,10] the extent to which job strain is related to weight gain and the development of obesity itself is poorly understood,[11,12,13,14] because quantitative reviews to confirm or refute these longitudinal associations are lacking. It remains unclear whether a reduction in job strain is likely to reduce obesity risk and, be a potentially useful target for obesity prevention
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: 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.
