Association between Work Engagement and Obesity among Workers in a Large Japanese Company

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the association between work engagement and obesity among workers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study assessed 20,611 workers in a large Japanese company. We assessed work engagement, obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/ m 2 ), and overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/ m 2 ). Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between work engagement and obesity and overweight after adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: The multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for obesity for moderate and highest tertile of work engagement were 0.93 (0.80-1.1) and 0.78 (0.67-0.92), respectively (p for trend < 0.01). The respective ORs (95% CIs) for overweight were 0.96 (0.89-1.04) and 0.91(0.84-0.98) (p for trend = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Workers with high work engagement had a lower prevalence of obesity and overweight.