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Trucker is most obese occupation, doctor, dentist is least

Occupations affect obesity levels in state study. Photo/Kamenko Pajic)
Occupations affect obesity levels in state study. Photo/Kamenko Pajic) | License Photo

OLYMPIA, Wash., Jan. 31 (UPI) -- Truck drivers, transportation, cleaning, police, firefighters and emergency responders in Washington state are the most overweight occupations, researchers say.

Dr. David K. Bonauto, Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention Program at the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, and colleagues analyzed data on 37,626 people employed in the state.

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The study found 39 percent of truckers were obese; followed by 38 percent of those working in transporting and moving material; 33 percent of police, firefighters and emergency responders; 30 percent of cleaning/building-service employees; 29 percent of mechanics and repair workers; 28 percent administrative and clerical personnel; 25 percent of salespeople, and 24 percent of executives and managers.

Occupations with lower obesity risk were: 12 percent of healthcare diagnosticians such as doctors, dentists and veterinarians and optometrists; 17 percent natural and social scientists; 18 percent of high school teachers; 18 percent of those in non-diagnosing healthcare treatment; 20 percent of architects, engineers and construction workers; 20 percent of food prep workers; 22 percent of lawyers and judges and 22 percent of computer scientists.

The findings were published in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease.

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