Relationships between work, lifestyles, and obesity: comparative analysis between the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 and the European Health Survey 2020 in Spain

Abstract

Objective: This study examines the relationship between overweight/obesity and sociodemographic, lifestyle variables and work-related factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional study with 7,302 full-time employees was conducted.

Results: Men had a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity than women. Explanatory risk models, adjusted for age, sex, and physical activity, identified age, male sex, low physical activity, ex-smoking status, moderate to high meat consumption, high cured meat consumption and high sugary drink consumption as associated factors for overweight/obesity. Over time, surveys revealed a decrease in physical activity, increased alcohol consumption, and more rotating and night shifts. Despite these changes, the overall prevalence of overweight/obesity remained unchanged.

Conclusions: Older men are at a higher risk of overweight and obesity, with key factors including low physical activity, ex-smoking status, and high consumption of meat, cured meat, and sugary drinks.