Prevalence of obesity and cardiovascular risk factors among manufacturing company employees in Kentucky.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of obesity and cardiovascular risk factors among male and female employees of eight small manufacturing companies in Kentucky. Randomly selected employees were screened using anthropometric and metabolic measures and a food frequency questionnaire. More than 77% of participants were classified as overweight or obese, higher than national estimates. Obesity was associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and elevated fasting glucose. Consistent with national data, males had an increased prevalence of specific risk factors (i.e., elevated blood pressure, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and hypertriglyceridemia), while females had an increased prevalence of at-risk waist circumference. One potential contributor to high prevalence rates was dietary practices that did not meet recommended guidelines for health. Results suggest an increased risk for cardiovascular disease among employees of Kentucky manufacturing companies and the need for interventions to reduce obesity and its comorbidities in this target population.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Brehm, B; Gates, D; Singler, M; Poeppelman, A; Succop, P; D'Alessio, D

Published Date

  • October 2007

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 55 / 10

Start / End Page

  • 397 - 406

PubMed ID

  • 17969537

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0891-0162

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1177/216507990705501002

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States