Paul A. Schulte ^1*, Gregory R. Wagner ², Aleck Ostry ³, Laura A. Blanciforti ¹, Robert G. Cutlip ¹, Kristine M. Krajnak ¹, Michael Luster ¹, Albert E. Munson ¹, James P. O'Callaghan ¹, Christine G. Parks ¹, Petia P. Simeonova ¹, Diane B. Miller ¹

¹ National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
² National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
³ University of British Columbia

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: pas4{at}cdc.gov.

	Abstract

There is increasing evidence that obesity and overweight may be related, in part, to adverse work conditions. In particular, the risk of obesity may increase in highdemand, low-control work environments, and for those who work long hours. In addition, obesity may modify the risk for vibration-induced injury and certain occupational musculoskeletal disorders.

We hypothesized that obesity may also be a co-risk factor for the development of occupational asthma and cardiovascular disease that and it may modify the worker’s response to occupational stress, immune response to chemical exposures, and risk of disease from occupational neurotoxins. We developed 5 conceptual models of the interrelationship of work, obesity, and occupational safety and health and highlighted the ethical, legal, and social issues related to fuller consideration of obesity’s role in occupational health and safety.

Key Words: Chronic Disease, Environment, Obesity, Overweight, Underweight, Occupational Health

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