The association between body mass index status and sick leave and the role of emotional exhaustion-a mediation analysis among a representative sample of dutch employees.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the associations between body mass index (BMI) and sick leave, and the mediating role of emotional exhaustion.


METHODS
Data were collected from a large survey among Dutch employees (n = 35,022). The causal pathway approach consisting of four regression analyses was applied.


RESULTS
In women, moderate overweight and obesity were associated with higher sick leave; in men, obesity, but not moderate overweight, was associated with higher sick leave. Obese workers were at increased risk for emotional exhaustion. Emotional exhaustion was also associated with higher sick leave rates. Adjustment for emotional exhaustion in the association between BMI and sick leave hardly changed the effect size and significance remained.


CONCLUSIONS
The association between BMI status and sick leave can be explained partially by the presence of emotional exhaustion. Workplace health promotion initiatives should take this into account.
National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (Drs Proper and Bemelmans and Ms Meijer), Bilthoven, The Netherlands; and Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (Dr Koppes), TNO, Division Work and Employment, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands.
Karin I
KI
Proper
Lando L J
LL
Koppes
Sanne
S
Meijer
Wanda J E
WJ
Bemelmans
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017008:Negotiating; D009426:Netherlands; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology; D012044:Regression Analysis; D018582:Sick Leave / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology*