Trends in U.S. Occupation-Related Physical Activity and Obesity
Author Information
Author(s): Timothy S. Church, Diana M. Thomas, Catrine Tudor-Locke, Peter T. Katzmarzyk, Conrad P. Earnest, Ruben Q. Rodarte, Corby K. Martin, Steven N. Blair, Claude Bouchard
Primary Institution: Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System
Hypothesis
How have trends in occupational physical activity over the past 5 decades related to changes in body weight in the U.S.?
Conclusion
Daily occupation-related energy expenditure has decreased by more than 100 calories over the last 50 years, contributing significantly to the increase in mean U.S. body weights.
Supporting Evidence
- Occupational physical activity has decreased from almost 50% requiring moderate intensity in the 1960s to less than 20% now.
- Mean daily energy expenditure due to work-related physical activity has dropped by more than 100 calories.
- Predicted weight changes based on energy expenditure closely matched actual NHANES weight data.
Takeaway
People used to move around more at work, but now many jobs are more about sitting, which has made us gain weight.
Methodology
Analysis of energy expenditure for occupations in U.S. private industry since 1960 using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and NHANES.
Potential Biases
Potential misclassification of occupation-related physical activity intensity.
Limitations
Did not account for changes in technology that reduced physical labor; focused only on type of occupation.
Participant Demographics
U.S. adults aged 40-50 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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