Abstract
BackgroundObesity and overweight represent a relevant risk factor for seafarer’s health. The frequency and distribution of overweight and obesity among seafarers working on board of Italian flag ships were studied. Analysis was made on occupational medicine files collected, in the frame of health surveillance inspections, between 2013 and 2016 from Centro Internazionale Radio Medico (CIRM).MethodsThe data of nationality, age, weight, height, blood glucose and blood pressure values obtained from 1155 seafarers were analyzed. Body mass index (BMI) values were calculated and compared with data reported for the general population of the same nationality of seafarers examined.ResultsBMI values revealed a tendency to overweight, whereas blood glucose and systolic blood pressure values were in general in the normal range. Approximtely 40% of subjects investigated were overweight, and more than the 10% of them were obese. Underweight was noticeable only in 1.22% of crew members and 0.34% of officers. The 0.52% of subjects investigated was diabetic, and 2.68% were hypertensive. Seafarers, regardless their nationality and rank, showed a greater tendency to overweight and obesity compared with general population of the same ethnicity.ConclusionsDue to the occurrence of overweight and obesity among seafarers, campaigns for promoting awareness of the phenomenon and on the danger of these conditions for health should be promoted. Specific initiatives to avoid the assumption of junk food and the organization of adequate spaces, times and programs for physical exercise sessions on board should be offered for keeping seafarers healthier.
Highlights
Obesity and overweight represent a relevant risk factor for seafarer’s health
In this study we have evaluated the prevalence of overweight and obesity by calculating the Body mass index (BMI) of seafarers working on Italian flag ships involved in long distance international routes, navigating the seas around the world
Data examined for the present study were collected by the Centro Internazionale Radio Medico (CIRM), the Italian Telemedical Maritime Assistance Service (TMAS), in the frame of health surveillance activities performed on board ships
Summary
Obesity and overweight represent a relevant risk factor for seafarer’s health. Obesity and metabolic syndrome are considered risk factors for dementia, and are associated with lower cognitive performance in population-based investigations [3,4,5]. The obesity condition develops when there is an excess of nutrients introduced, compared to those consumed, but the contribution of these factors is still quite misunderstood. Obesity is a known risk factor for various diseases [12, 13] and can be considered a multifactorial pathology, due to genetic conditions [14], endocrine problems [15], impaired thyroid function, and environmental factors [16]
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