Occupational Stress and Obesity in Iran’s Industrial Settings: From Research to Action

Document Type : policy brief

Authors

1 MSc in Biostatistics, Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 Psychiatrist, Isfahan Cardiac Rehabilitation Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

3 MSc in Nutrition, Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

4 MSc in Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, School of Health, Qum University of Medical Sciences, Qum, Iran.

5 Professor, Isfahan Cardiac Rehabilitation Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

6 Professor, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

10.48305/jims.v43.i811.0372

Abstract

Executive Summary
A study conducted on employees of Isfahan Steel Company shows a worrying relationship between occupational stress and obesity, such that employees with high occupational stress are more likely to be obese. These findings are a wake-up call for the country's industries, as stress-induced obesity not only threatens the health of the workforce, but also affects organizational productivity and economics. The solution to this problem requires practical and multi-level measures, which is the focus of this document. Improving the physical conditions of the workplace is proposed as the first and most effective option, as it directly affects stressors. Stress management and healthy nutrition training programs act as essential supplements to these programs. Successful implementation of these strategies requires the full participation of management, employees, and regulatory agencies. Investing in this area is not just a cost, but a smart investment for the future of the industry and the health of society.

Highlights

Awat Feizi:  Google Scholar

Nizal Sarrafzadegan: Google Scholar

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

  1. Zakeri P, Roohafza H, Amani Tirani S, Rajabi N, Feizi A, Sarrafzadegan N. Investigating the relationship between job stress and obesity in employees of Isfahan Steel Company based on a cross-sectional study [in Persian]. Iran Occupational Health 2020; 17(1): 1137-47.
  2. Yamada Y, Ishizaki M, Tsuritani I. Prevention of weight gain and obesity in occupational populations: a new target of health promotion services at worksites. J Occup Health 2002; 44(6): 373-84.
  3. Okumus B, Chaulagain S, Giritlioglu I. Examining the impacts of job stress and job satisfaction on hotel employees’ eating behavior. Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management 2019; 28(5): 558-75.
  4. Nishitani N, Sakakibara H. Relationship of obesity to job stress and eating behavior in male Japanese workers. Int J Obes (Lond) 2006; 30(3): 528-33.
Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 43, Issue 811
3rd Week, June: Policy Brief
May and June 2025
Pages 372-375

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 08 July 2025
  • Accept Date: 13 July 2025

Share

How to cite

Statistics