Behind the Image: An Investigation of Greek Firefighter's Body Mass Index
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3923/pjn.2017.525.530Keywords:
Body mass index, firefighters, obesity, overweightAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to conduct an initial investigation of obesity in Greek firefighters as determined by Body Mass Index (BMI) and identify dietary habits and factors associated with this obesity. Methodology: A quantitative survey was conducted for 190 firefighters serving in Northern Greece in 2015. To calculate BMI, anthropometric data were collected and data concerning the eating behaviors of firefighters were collected using a specific questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, including one way ANOVA and chi squared tests, were used to investigate factors related to obesity. Results: Among the total sample, 31.1% of firefighters had a normal weight (18.5<BMI<24.99), whereas 50% were overweight (25.0<BMI<29.99) and 18.9% were obese (BMI>30). Analysis showed that participant age and area served were the only factors that significantly differed among firefighters with different BMI. More than 80% of firefighters agreed that there was a need for nutrition and exercise programs for firefighters, but only 4% followed a nutrition program. Firefighters indicated that the recent economic crisis had affected their food purchasing decisions. Conclusion: Age and area served are two factors that affect the BMI of firemen, wherein those older than 40 and serving in fire departments located in rural areas were more likely to be overweight. Although most firefighters in the study sample believed that there is a need for special nutrition and exercise programs for firefighters, few followed a nutrition program. The economic crisis in Greece and ensuing decreases in income may have affected healthy eating habits of firefighters.
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