The prevalence of obesity across all occupational groups increased steadily between 2004 and 2008 but levelled off from 2008 to 2011, according to this study of US workers. The highest prevalence of obesity was among non-Hispanic black female workers in healthcare support (49.2% prevalence) and transportation (46.6%). Obesity prevalence stabilised in already high-prevalence, blue-collar occupational groups between 2008 and 2011, but increased significantly in relatively low-obesity, white-collar occupations in the same period.
Gu JK et al (2014). “Prevalence of obesity by occupation among US workers: the National Health Interview Survey 2004-2011”. Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, first published online 27 March 2014.
