Endocrinol Metab.  2022 Oct;37(5):781-790. 10.3803/EnM.2022.1532.

Association of Shift Work with Normal-Weight Obesity in Community-Dwelling Adults

• Ahn CW
• Shin S
• Lee S
• Park HS
• Hong N
• Rhee Y

• KMID: 2534630
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2022.1532

Abstract

Background
Shift work is associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. However, this association in the normal-weight population remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether shift work is associated with normal-weight obesity (NWO).
Methods
From the nationally representative Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) dataset (2008 to 2011), 3,800 full-time workers aged ≥19 years with a body mass index (BMI) ≤25 kg/m² were analysed. We defined NWO as BMI ≤25 kg/m² and body fat percentage ≥25% in men and ≥37% in women. Working patterns were classified into “daytime,” “other than daytime,” and “shift.” Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between shift work and NWO.
Results
Shift work was associated with higher odds of NWO than daytime work (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04 to 2.09) and night/evening work (aOR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.11 to 3.14) after adjustment for type of work, working hours, age, sex, BMI, 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, and other sociodemographic factors. In subgroup analyses, the association between shift work and NWO was more robust in those aged ≥60 years and those working ≥56 hours/week.
Conclusion
Shift work was associated with NWO in community-dwelling Korean adults, independent of age, sex, BMI, and other covariates.

Keyword

Shift work schedule; Obesity; Body composition; Circadian rhythm; Metabolic syndrome

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Flowchart of the study population from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) VII (2008 to 2011) showing inclusions and exclusions. BMI, body mass index.

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  Fig. 2. Subgroup analysis and interaction terms for the association with shift work versus non-shift work and normal-weight obesity. WH, working hours; CI, confidence interval.

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