Research Plus

Shift work linked to weight gain

A longitudinal cohort study adds to previous research evidence that shift work is an independent risk factor for weight gain. The study was carried out over a 14- year period (1991–2005) on Japanese male steel workers, all of whom were given annual health assessments. It followed 4,328 regular day workers and 2,926 alternating-shift workers. Type of job schedule was significantly associated with BMI gain. Regular health checks and lifestyle advice is recommended.

Obesity 2008: online ahead of print: doi:10.1038/oby.2008.298.

Tags bmi - body mass index evidence based practice obesity shiftwork

Occupational Health at Work August/September 2008 (vol. 05/2) pp38