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John Kelly, M.D.

Obesity is preventable

KellyMost drivers these days are obese or overweight. In fact, as a group, drivers may be more obese or overweight than any other group of workers in the U.S.
     Body Mass Index (BMI), which is calculated from measurements of weight and height, determines if drivers are obese, overweight or normal weight. A driver is obese if BMI is > 30, overweight if BMI is 25.0 – 29.9, and normal weight if BMI is 18.5 – 24.9.
     At recent screenings sponsored by the Healthy Trucking Association of America, hundreds of drivers measured their weight and calculated their BMI. Of these, 49% were obese, 39% were overweight and 12% were of normal weight.
     In a recent scientific study of nearly 3,000 drivers for a large national trucking company, 55% of drivers were obese, 30% were overweight, and 15% were normal weight. High blood pressure was more common among drivers who were obese and overweight than among those who were normal weight. Medical costs were significantly higher for obese and overweight drivers than drivers who were normal weight.
     Obesity and overweight increase health risks, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type-2 diabetes, arthritis, cancer, depression, respiratory problems and sleep apnea.
     Although most drivers are obese or overweight, the condition is preventable. If drivers eat healthy and get in shape, obesity can be avoided, and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most chronic diseases associated with obesity can be prevented.
     To prevent obesity, drivers must understand the risks. They must also learn the value of weight management, appropriate physical activity and proper nutrition.
     Drivers also need access to opportunities for physical activity and healthy foods. Trucking companies and truck stops that provide opportunities for physical activity and healthy foods are increasing. Many restaurants and cafeterias provide nutrition information about foods. Some vending machine operators provide competitively priced healthy food items.
     Drivers should establish realistic goals to prevent obesity and overweight and monitor their pro-gress in achieving personal goals. The competitions conducted by trucking companies can often be effective in helping drivers reach their their desired weight.
     Drivers should:
•     Understand the health risks due to obesity and overweight
•     Participate in effective obesity prevention programs
•     Manage their weight, physical activity and nutrition
•     Achieve their health management goals
     John T. Kelly, MD, is Chief Medical Officer of Lifeclinic International, which manufactures blood pressure and weight monitors located in many trucking locations. Dr. Kelly was previously Chief Health and Medical Officer of Union Pacific Railroad. Dr. Kelly can be contacted at JKelly@lifeclinic.com.