Prevalence of
Metabolic Syndrome
[Posted 11/11/2008]
The October 2008 issue of the Journal of
Occupational and Environmental Medicine (JOEM)
reported on research on metabolic syndrome in the
workplace. The study involved the health-risk
appraisal of over 5,000 workers at a large financial
services company.
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of health risk
factors that affect approximately 23% of US workers.
People are considered to have metabolic syndrome if
they have at least three out of five risk factors
(large waist circumference, high triglyceride
levels, reduced levels of HDL, high blood pressure,
and high glucose levels). Those affected tend to use
more sick leave and are at increased risk for
cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Worksite wellness programs may be very effective in
changing workers’ behaviors, and, subsequently, in
reducing the risks associated with metabolic
syndrome, more serious health problems, and lost
days from work.
Related Links:
OHSOnline News Article
JOEM Abstract
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