The impact of obesity on absenteeism among working adults in Portugal and its costs

Abstract

Abstract Background Obesity leeds to poor health and may afffect work productivity. We aim to investigate the association between obesity and absenteeism and its indirect costs. Methods Individuals employeed and actively working at baseline form the EpiDoC Cohort, a large portuguese population-based prospective study analized from 2011 to 2016. Body mass index was assessed during baseline appointment. Follow-up assessment was performed through a phone interview and self reported absenteeism defined by the question”did you have a sick leave in previous 12 months? yes/no”, followed by the number of days missed work due to sickness in the previous twelve months.(1) Negative Binomial Regression model estimated the association between obesity and absenteeism. Indirect costs were computed using the human-capital method. Results EpiDoC cohort had 4338 participants who were working adults at baseline. The prevalence of obesity among working adults was 15.2% and of absenteeism was 29.4%. Obesity was associated with an increase in absenteeism incidence rate ratio by 31% (p < 0.01). Obese individual miss 3.9 days per year (95% CI 3.1-4.5). This number is higher in women, 4.6 days per year (95% CI 3.6-5.6) and according to the professional categories women with white collar professions were 82% (p < 0.01) more likely to miss work than peers with their normal weight. Extrapolating for the entire working population, absenteeism due to obesity has an estimated cost of 236€ million per year. Conclusions Obesity is an independent risk factor for absenteeism among working adults wich leads to high societal burden in terms of costs. Food and nutrition policies are needed in order improve food patterns and reduce obesity levels among south european population. Key messages Obesity is an independent risk factor for absenteeism among working adults. Obesity increases absenteeism mainly in women and has a major impact on economies.