Objectives: Heavy vehicle transport workers have a high risk of obesity and obesity-related disorders including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Sedentary nature of their work makes a healthy work and lifestyle balance difficult to achieve. Educational interventions that promote behavioral changes have been shown to be effective in various group settings. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of metabolic risk factors among a population of urban bus drivers; to deliver a 3-month educational intervention specifically tailored for the workplace environment of transport workers; and to evaluate the efficacy of the intervention through quantitative measurements and qualitative feedback. Material and Methods: Thirty-three bus drivers from depots in south Queensland were recruited for the study. Baseline metabolic data were collected through anthropometric measurements, blood collection and diet/lifestyle questionnaires. Metabolic risk factors that were analyzed included: waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting glucose, blood triglycerides and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Three interactive seminars were delivered over a 3-month period. At the end of the period, data collection was repeated. Results: At the commencement of the study, 35% of the participants exhibited ≥ 3 of the metabolic risk factors that characterize metabolic syndrome. This is higher than the reported prevalence in the general Australian population (22.1%). A total 21 of the 33 participants remained committed to the intervention and provided pre and post intervention data. Of these, 28% (N = 6) showed a decrease in one or more of the risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome. There was a significant increase in the average HDL-C after the intervention. Qualitative feedback indicated that the workers benefited from the program, especially regarding their awareness of the risks associated with their profession. Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrates that lifestyle education seminars specifically tailored for the workplace can have an impact on the health behaviors of transport workers.

No abstract

The incidence of obesity and its related metabolic disorders has escalated dramatically in the past decades worldwide. Defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation caused by an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure, obesity is presently the major health challenge in developed countries and the causative factor of numerous diseases such as heart problems, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and type 2 diabetes. Presence of high level of cytokines and acute phase proteins associated with inflammation in obese individuals relates obesity to chronic low-grade inflammation. Obesity-induced inflammation has an impact on insulin resistance and cardiac health. Polyphenols including catechins, tocopherols, resveratrol, curcumin and anthocyanins have been shown to reduce adipose tissue inflammation. It has been broadly accepted that adipocyte dysfunction plays a major role in development of obesity and obesity related complications. This state is characterised by hypersecretion of pro-atherogenic, pro-inflammatory and pro-diabetic adipokines as well as decreased secretion of adiponectin. The dietary polyphenols described in this review have potential as nutritional strategies for the prevention of obesity and associated inflammation as well as increase in insulin sensitivity in diabetic people.

No abstract