P-001 Obesity and Health-Related Job Loss in a Cohort of Older Workers in the Uk

Introduction Governments require people to work to older ages. However, evidence shows this might not be feasible for obese people. We explored the association between body mass index (BMI) and health-related job loss (HRJL) in a cohort of older workers in England. We additionally tested whether slow walking speed and depression may explain such association. Methods In 2013-14, 8,000 participants aged 50-64 were recruited to the Health and Employment After Fifty (HEAF) study and followed-up annually, reporting on their demographics, employment, health, and lifestyle. Those in paid work reported on any HRJL over 5-years. BMI was computed with height and weight, and its association with HRJL explored with Cox proportional hazard models with adjustment for proximity to retirement, finances, qualification level, smoking, and physical activity. Results A total of 5,086 participants were included, 48% were males, aged 57.1 years on average (SD=4.0). Of those, 24% participants were obese, 3.8% of whom reported depression and slow walking speed, 3.1% only slow walking speed and 25.2% only depression. 631 participants reported at least one HRJL event. Both slow walking speed and depression were significantly associated with HRJL. Participants with obesity were more likely to experience HRJL (HR=1.54; 95% CI 1.25, 1.89), but estimates weakened when adjusted for depression or walking speed. Discussion Older workers with obesity were at increased risk of a premature job exit due to ill health. This association was partly explained by depression and slow walking speed. Conclusions Policy makers need to encourage maintaining a healthy weight to retain the older workforce.