P-145 How Much Does the Hospital Weight? The Body Mass Index of Healthcare Workers

Introduction It has been estimated that 38% of the world’s adult population will be obese by 2030. Obese workers have more lost workdays than workers with normal body mass index (BMI), independently of other risk factors. This study aims to analyse the BMI of hospital healthcare workers (HCW) through a descriptive analysis of their characteristics like gender, age and professional group. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed using data collected from the Occupational Medicine Department records. The study population included all HCW who were actively working at a Hospital Centre in 2022, and who had at least one BMI measurement between 2018 and 2022. Results This study included 1522 HCW. The mean age was 46±11 years and most were women (81.08%). The average BMI was 25.21±4.64 kg/m2, with a measurement range between 15.2 and 55.5 kg/m2. Most workers (52.50%) had a BMI within the normal range; 31.80% were overweight and 13.40% were obese. BMI was higher in males (26.08±3.53 kg/m2). HCW older than 39 years had a mean BMI equal or higher than 25.20±4.53 kg/m2. Hospital aides (27.03±5.0 kg/m2) had the highest mean BMI while diagnostic and therapeutic technicians had the lowest (24.08±4,02 kg/m2). Discussion This descriptive analysis shows that the study population had a mean BMI equivalent to overweight. Higher BMI are observed in males, older individuals and hospital aides. Conclusion Occupational Medicine may play a key role in identifying workers at greater risk and applying weight control measures, as a strategy to prevent obesity-related diseases and, ultimately, to reduce work absenteeism.