Research Plus

Shift work and body weight

This systematic review of longitudinal studies finds strong evidence for a crude association between shiftwork and increased body weight. Eight studies met inclusion criteria, five of high quality. A potential mediating factor is physical activity during leisure time – shift workers may be less physically active – but none of the studies analysed this possibility. Future studies should include detailed analysis and more precise measurement of confounding and mediating factors, such as physical activity, health habits, age, and body weight at baseline.

Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health 2011; 37(4): 263–275.

Tags bmi - body mass index evidence based practice shiftwork

Occupational Health at Work August/September 2011 (vol. 08/2) pp42