Obesity is a growing problem in the labor market, with significant work absenteeism being a concerning consequence. A recent study conducted by researchers from Vienna has shed light on this issue, revealing that individuals with obesity are more likely to take time off work due to health issues compared to those with normal weight. The severity of obesity also increases the odds of absenteeism.
The study, which included more than 122,000 people across Europe, was partially funded by pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, makers of a weight-loss injection now being prescribed by the NHS. While countries like Spain, Italy, and Denmark were included in the study, the UK, France, Ireland, Malta, and Iceland were excluded due to insufficient data.
Presented at an obesity conference in Italy this week, the results of the study have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal. However, Dr. Thomas Czypionka, lead researcher on the study, stressed the importance of policymakers taking action to address obesity given its health and economic consequences.
The findings are particularly concerning given reported worker shortages in the UK due to long-term illness and other factors such as stress, Covid-19 and rising cost of living. Nearly two-thirds of UK adults are overweight or obese leading to various health issues like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure high cholesterol and increased risk of respiratory musculoskeletal liver diseases. It is imperative for policymakers to use evidence-based measures to combat obesity and its impact on the labor force.
Policymakers need to take action against obesity as it has significant health and economic consequences on both individuals and society as a whole. The study’s findings highlight that policymakers need to do more to help individuals maintain a healthy weight if they want their workforce healthy and productive.
It is important that policymakers use evidence-based measures such as tax incentives or subsidies for healthy foods or physical activities promotion campaigns that educate people about nutrition and physical activity.
In conclusion, researchers have warned that obesity is leading to significant work absenteeism impacting the labor market. The data collected in 2019 from 26 countries showed that individuals with obesity were more likely to take time off work due to health issues compared to those with normal weight. Policymakers must take action against this growing problem by using evidence-based measures such as tax incentives or subsidies for healthy foods or physical activities promotion campaigns that educate people about nutrition and physical activity.
