Prevalence of Obesity and Association with Adherence to Mediterranean Diet in Medical, Nursing and Administrative Staff of a Greek Public Hospital

Abstract

Obesity is currently considered to be the most common metabolic disease. During the last decades, its incidence has dramatically risen both in developed and developing countries. Several studies of the health of healthcare professionals have found that a significant proportion is obese. Obesity among the workforce may impede the efficacy of healthcare professionals health promotion efforts. The Mediterranean diet is considered to be a sustainable and healthy lifestyle pattern that promotes good health and disease prevention throughout the lifespan. The objectives of the present study were a) To determine the prevalence of obesity and obesity related lifestyle parameters (work anxiety, physical activity). b) To investigate the association between adherence to Mediterranean diet and Body Mass Index (BMI) among health professionals. c) To compare these parameters between medical doctors, administrative staff and nurses working at one selected public hospital. The perceptions of health professionals regarding their own body weight were also assessed and compared to their actual weight.