A Study of Obesity and Financial Stress in Workers in the United States: Findings from the NHIS 2021A Study of Obesity and Financial Stress in Workers in the United States: Findings from the NHIS 2021

Abstract

Abstract Purpose This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between indicators of workplace financial stress and obesity among working adults. Methods Respondents were sampled from the 2021 National Health Interview Survey. Adults were included if they worked in the last week were between 18 to 65 years (n = 14, 976). A multivariable model predicted having obesity using the following the independent variables: working full time, defined as working 35 hours per week or more, working while sick, perceived likelihood of job loss, food insecurity and sociodemographic characteristics. The multivariable model was based on bivariate analyses comparing these variables, and serious psychological distress to having obesity and the number of chronic health conditions. Results At the bivariate level 6.5% of full-time workers had food insecurity, and 9.1% perceived they were fairly or somewhat likely to lose their job and 45% with obesity had serious psychological distress. In a multivariable model, there was a positive association between obesity and full-time employment (AOR = 1.5 CI = 1.3, 1.7), workers perceptions of being fairly or somewhat likely to lose their job (AOR = 1.2 CI = 1.0, 1.4), and obesity and food insecurity (AOR = 1.2 CI = 1.0, 1.4) after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. Conclusions Working adults with obesity likely work full time, have serious psychological distress, and perceive a likely job loss. Despite working full time, many adults experienced food insecurity.