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Article
Occupational differences for nutrient intake and physical-activity levels in young and middle-aged men
WORK
  • Eric C. Conchola, Oklahoma State University
  • Abbie E. Smith-Ryan, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
  • Brennan J. Thompson, Utah State University
  • Eric J. Sobolewski, Texas Tech University
  • Eric D. Ryan, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Document Type
Article
Publisher
IOS Press
Publication Date
9-27-2016
Disciplines
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Physical demands may vary between white collar and blue collar occupations when evaluating specific physiological differences such as one’s weight, body mass index and body fat percentage. OBJECTIVE: To explore nutritional, anthropometric, and physical-activity differences between young and middle-aged WC and BC workers. METHODS: Ninety-one male participants aged 19–64 that were either WC and/or BC workers completed a 3-day food recall, modified Baecke Questionnaire, and had their height, weight, body mass index and body fat percentage measured. Participants were classified as: young-white-collar, young-blue-collar, middle-white-collar or middle-blue-collar workers. RESULTS: No nutritional differences within ages or between occupations were reported. Body mass index and body fat percentage were lower for young vs. middle-aged workers. Lastly, physical-activity at work was higher for young and middle-aged Blue collar workers, while White collar workers participated in more physical activity outside of work. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest that the observed increases in body fat percentage and body mass index with age, are independent of occupation.

Citation Information
Conchola, E.C., Smith-Ryan, A.E, Thompson, B.J., Sobolewski, E.J., and Ryan, E.D. (2016). Occupational differences for nutrient intake and physical-activity levels in young and middle-aged men. Work, 55(1): 187-196.