Levels of physical activity, nutrition and body composition in the workplace: reports from a distribution company.

Abstract

Lifestyle factors, as eating habits and physical activity, are associated with health and productivity of workers. The aim of this study is an assessment of lifestyle of the employees of an international company of household items. 291 (170 female, 121 male) employees underwent body composition assessment and completed two questionnaires (International Physical Activity Questionnaire and National Institute for Research of the Food and Nutrition). The weight status of the sample is at the upper limits of normal weight. Products based on cereals are consumed about once a day, fresh meat 3.0 (0.0-12.0) per week, fresh fruit (5.0, 0.0-25.0) and vegetables (6.0, 0.0-14.0) less than one serving a day. No vigorous physical activity is performed (0.0, 0.0-240.0 min/week), moderate is performed 30.0 (0.0-450.0) min/week and only 106 subjects were aware of the number of daily steps. Job duties can have an influence on the daily habits. Workplaces have great potential to change personal lifestyle choices and a preliminary assessment should be performed in order to propose a tailored intervention.