Obesity among government-backed economy restaurant workers in Belo Horizonte, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: This food service sector produces nutritionally balanced meals and its workers eat their meals in this environment. Since they work with nutritionally adequate meals, would these workers have a lower prevalence of obesity? OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to describe the prevalence of obesity among government-backed economy restaurant workers in a Brazilian state capital with analysis of sociodemographic and occupational factors and associated health factors. METHODS: Two hundred and fifteen (215) workers from four government-backed economy restaurants operating in the city of Belo Horizonte were evaluated. Only workers who were active during the study period were eligible for the analysis. Anthropometric data were collected for investigation in relation to sociodemographic variables and work and health conditions. RESULTS: The sample of government-backed economy restaurant workers was 37.2% female and had a mean age of 41.9 ± 10.9 years. Based on body mass index, we found that one third of the workers were obese. Obesity was more prevalent among women, workers who were dissatisfied with their bodies, workers who mainly perform tasks in a sitting position, and workers who perform strenuous tasks. Obese people have difficulties performing physical movements, classify their tasks as arduous, and opt for more sedentary tasks. CONCLUSIONS: Three out of 10 workers in the government-backed economy restaurants were obese. Programs and actions aimed at prevention and control of obesity are needed in this sector in order to improve the physical and mental capacities of its workers, avoiding attrition of the workforce and major health problems.