Long-Term Effects of Obesity on Employment and Work Limitations Among U.S. Adults, 1986 to 1999

• Published in: Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.) Md.), 2006-09, Vol.14 (9), p.1637-1646
• Main Authors: Tunceli, Kaan, Li, Kemeng, Williams, L. Keoki
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; BMI; Body Mass Index; Cohort Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; disability; Employment; Female; Health Behavior; Health Status; Humans; labor supply; Male; Middle Aged; Obesity - complications; Obesity - psychology; Prospective Studies; Sex Distribution; Socioeconomic Factors; Thinness; weight
• ISSN: 1930-7381; 1930-739X
• DOI: 10.1038/oby.2006.188

Objective: To determine the relationships between BMI and workforce participation and the presence of work limitations in a U.S. working‐age population. Research Methods and Procedures: We used data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, a nationwide prospective cohort, to estimate the effect of obesity in 1986 on employment and work limitations in 1999. Individuals were classified into the following weight categories: underweight (BMI < 18.5), normal weight (18.5 ≤ BMI < 25), overweight (25 ≤ BMI < 30), and obese (BMI ≥ 30). Using multivariable probit models, we estimated the relationships between obesity and both employment and work disability. All analyses were stratified by sex. Results: After adjusting for baseline sociodemographic characteristics, smoking status, exercise, and self‐reported health, obesity was associated with reduced employment at follow‐up [men: marginal effect (ME) −4.8 percentage points (pp); p < 0.05; women: ME −5.8 pp; p < 0.10]. Among employed women, being either overweight or obese was associated with an increase in self‐reported work limitations when compared with normal‐weight individuals (overweight: ME +3.9 pp; p < 0.01; obese: ME +12.6 pp; p < 0.01). Among men, the relationship between obesity and work limitations was not statistically significant. Discussion: Obesity appears to result in future productivity losses through reduced workforce participation and increased work limitations. These findings have important implications in the U.S., which is currently experiencing a rise in the prevalence of obesity.