Prevalence and Factors Associated with Obesity among Healthcare Professionals

Background: Although health professionals play an important role in promoting a healthy lifestyle, they are considered to be a high-risk group for obesity. Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of obesity among healthcare professionals and examine the factors affecting obesity. Methods: A descriptive research was conducted with healthcare professionals working in Family Practice Centers and Inpatient Treatment Facilities in the Central District of in Sivas, Turkey. The research sample consisted of 1421 health workers. The data was obtained from Personal Information Form (PIF) and Obesity Evaluation Form (OEF). Data was analyzed in SPSS (version 22.0) programme. Results: The results revealed that 52.5% of healthcare professionals were normal weight people), 34.8% were overweight, 8.7% were obese class I, 1.1% were obese class II and 0.3% were morbid obese; whereas 2.7% were underweight. In this study, obesity was found to be higher in the elderly, in the physicians, in the married and in those with higher income. (p>0.01) In addition, obesity was higher in those who watched television for a long time and in smokers and alcohol drinkers. Conclusion: Obesity is a major problem among healthcare professionals. It is important to identify the factors affecting obesity rates among healthcare professionals and to develop policies to prevent these factors. In health instituons organization of exercise and diet programs for healthcare professionals may be essential.