A new study released by NIOSH finds that U.S. long-haul truck drivers were twice as likely to be obese compared to the general U.S. working population. These drivers were also more likely to smoke and suffer from other risk factors for chronic disease.
In 2010 NIOSH interviewed 1,670 long-haul truck drivers at truck stops across the nation about their health and work practices. The survey found 69% of these drivers were obese, 54% smoked and 88% of those interviewed reported having at least one risk factor (hypertension, obesity, smoking, high cholesterol, no physical activity, 6 or fewer hours of sleep per 24-hr period) for chronic disease, compared to 54% of the adult working population.
In 2010 NIOSH interviewed 1,670 long-haul truck drivers at truck stops across the nation about their health and work practices. The survey found 69% of these drivers were obese, 54% smoked and 88% of those interviewed reported having at least one risk factor (hypertension, obesity, smoking, high cholesterol, no physical activity, 6 or fewer hours of sleep per 24-hr period) for chronic disease, compared to 54% of the adult working population.
The study, published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, is the first of its kind, providing a comprehensive look at the health status, risk factors and work practices of long-haul truck drivers in the U.S. According to NIOSH, data collected from this survey will provide the trucking industry and researchers with valuable information to guide future health and safety efforts.