Weight Matters: Investigating Overweight and Obesity Prevalence Among Municipal Bus Drivers and Its Nexus with Physical Activity, Stress, Emotional Eating, and Diet

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among municipal bus drivers in İstanbul province and explore the intricate relationships between weight status, physical activity levels, stress perception, emotional eating tendencies, and dietary patterns within this occupational group. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of 380 bus drivers. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a data collection tool consisting of an information form, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Emotional Eating Scale (EES), and 24-hour Dietary Recall. Results: The findings revealed that 85.8% of the participants were overweight (52.6%) or with obesity (33.2%). The mean PSS score was 25.8±6.7, and the mean EES score was 29.3±10.8. The participants exhibited low physical activity levels (96.1%), with a mean of 246.2±165.4, signifying inactivity. Weak positive correlations were found between PSS and ESS scores. Dietary analysis showed a moderate energy intake of 1674.4±429.5 kcal. Individual variability in energy intake and nutrient consumption patterns was evident. Conclusion: The high prevalence of overweight and obesity among municipal bus drivers highlights the importance of targeted interventions for improved lifestyle and reduced health risks in this occupational group.