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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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Open Access 01-08-2021 | Obesity | Original Article

The mediating role of lifestyle in the relationship between shift work, obesity and diabetes

Authors: Gerben Hulsegge, Karin I. Proper, Bette Loef, Heleen Paagman, Johannes R. Anema, Willem van Mechelen

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 6/2021

Abstract

Purpose

Shift work has been related to obesity and diabetes, but the potential mediating role of lifestyle is yet unknown. Our aim was to investigate this mediating role of physical activity, diet, smoking, and sleep quality in the relationships between shift work, and obesity and diabetes.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 3188 shift workers and 6395 non-shift workers participated between 2013 and 2018 in periodical occupational health checks. Weight and height were objectively measured to calculate obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²). Diabetes status, physical activity, diet, smoking, and sleep quality were assessed using standardized questionnaires. Structural equation models adjusted for relevant confounders were used to analyze the mediating role of lifestyle in the relationships between shift work, and obesity and diabetes.

Results

Shift workers were more often obese (OR: 1.37, 95% CI 1.16–1.61) and reported more often to have diabetes (OR:1.35, 95% CI 1.003–1.11) than non-shift workers. Shift workers had lower physical activity levels, ate fruit and vegetables less often, smoked more often, and had poorer sleep quality (p < 0.05). Mediation analysis revealed that shift workers had a higher odds of obesity (OR: 1.07, 95% CI 1.01–1.15) and diabetes (OR: 1.13, 95% CI 1.02–1.27) mediated by poorer sleep quality. Lower physical activity levels (OR: 1.11, 95% CI 1.05–1.19) and lower intake of fruit and vegetables (OR: 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.15) were also mediators in the relationship between shift work and obesity, but not in the relationship between shift work and diabetes (p ≥ 0.05).

Conclusion

These results imply that interventions targeting diet, physical activity and in particular sleep problems specifically developed for shift workers could potentially reduce the adverse health effects of shift work.

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Title: The mediating role of lifestyle in the relationship between shift work, obesity and diabetes
Authors: Gerben Hulsegge
Karin I. Proper
Bette Loef
Heleen Paagman
Johannes R. Anema
Willem van Mechelen
Publication date: 01-08-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Obesity
Obesity
Overweight
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 6/2021
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-021-01662-6

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The mediating role of lifestyle in the relationship between shift work, obesity and diabetes

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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