Lifestyle and Quality of Life Among Overweight University Employees

Abstract

Lifestyle is an environmental factor responsible for 60% of epigenetic factors related to the appearance of noncommunicable diseases, with a high impact on health-related quality of life (HrQoL). This observational study aimed to analyze the lifestyle and its impact on HrQoL in overweight/obese university employees. The following variables were analyzed in overweight/obese employees: lifestyle, physical activity, sedentary behavior, diet, body composition, and HrQoL. To analyze the associations between these variables, the Spearman and Pearson correlation tests were carried out. A total of 36 participants (69% female; aged 43.88 ± 7.14 years; body mass index 27.45 ± 2.99 kg/m2) were analyzed. The Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener score was 6.83 ± 1.38. Physical activity levels were 213.33 ± 251.97 metabolic equivalent tasks–minutes per week, and sitting time was 561.67 ± 188.19 minutes per day. Health-related quality-of-life levels were very poor, according to the Short-Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire v2. Nutrition and stress management showed moderate positive correlations with HrQoL, whereas negative moderate correlations were found between sitting time and HrQoL. Finally, waist circumference and body mass index showed negative large-moderate correlations with physical function. These findings highlight the need to promote healthy lifestyle habits in the workplace to prevent noncommunicable diseases and improve HrQoL. Physical exercise and nutrition interventions should be performed within the workplace, especially among overweight/obese employees.