Obesity and work-ability may be influenced by reduced performance, associated diseases, and obesogenic environment.
Two hundred seventy-six male (46.7 ± 10.6 years; BMI 33.3 ± 4.4 kg/m) and 658 female (48.4 ± 9.7 years; BMI 33.6 ± 5.4 kg/m) were enrolled. They were classified by Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS) and interviewed for "perceived" work-ability.
Total work ability score was 1.3 ± 2.1 in EOSS 0, 1.2 ± 1.5 in EOSS 1, 1.8 ± 2 in EOSS 2, 2.0 ± 2.2 in EOSS 3. Work-ability, in relation to EOSS adjusted for sex, age, work categories referred to EOSS 0, was highest in EOSS stage 3 (P < 0.001 for trend) and with reference to Administration; Industries showed the worst score (P < 0.001) followed by Health (P = 0.001) and Service (P = 0.01).
The relation between EOSS and work-ability empowers clinical decision-making and helps to assess the impact of overweight on health and fitness for work.