Bus Operators' Body Weight Changes During Their First 2 Years of Work: A Retrospective Survey.

Abstract

To empirically assess retrospective reports of weight changes during bus operators' first years on the job, and to investigate experienced and desired training topics for new operators. Bus operators (n = 261) completed an online survey on topics of early weight changes and training experiences. Operators reported gaining an average of 7.64 lb (SD = 16.36) during their first year. Further weight gain was not reported during the second year. Most operators reported that health-related topics were not addressed during their initial training. Stress management and healthy eating were the operators' two most desired topics to be included in their initial training. Bus operators reported medically meaningful weight gain during their first year of work and a desire for more health-related training. Objective research to document the magnitude of this hazard, and contributing working conditions, is needed.