Weight loss attempt among U.S. workers with metabolic syndrome

Background: The metabolic syndrome (MetS), comprised of an abnormal clustering of risk factors places an individual at high risk for coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Weight loss can decrease these risks factors, but little is known about weight loss attempts among U.S. workers with MetS. Methods: We pooled data from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey by occupational groups and MetS status (N=4,443; 22% with MetS), based on having at least three of five criteria (central obesity, high triglycerides and glucose, low HDL-cholesterol, and hypertension) from U.S. National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. All individuals were asked “Did you try to lose weight in the past year?” Logistic analyses were performed using weighted data appropriate for a multi-stage-complex survey sampling design. Occupational groups were classified as: White-collar, Service, Farm, Blue-collar workers, and unemployed. Analyses were adjusted for age, gender, and race/ethnicity. Results: Ninety-one percent of workers classified with MetS had attempted weight loss in the past year. Differences in weight loss attempt were found between workers with and without MetS, respectively: 49% vs. 39% (p<0.01) among White-collar, 60% vs. 22% (p=0.03) among Farm, 38% vs. 27% (p<0.01) among Blue-collar, 40% vs. 32% among Service workers (p=0.24), and 40% vs. 29% (p<0.01) in the unemployed. Discussion: A significant proportion of workers classified with MetS reported weight loss attempt in the past year. Integrated workplace health interventions should consider including weight loss educational activities for high risk worker groups with MetS identified in this study.