Physical Activity, Sedentary Time, and Cardiometabolic Health in Heavy Goods Vehicle Drivers.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Physical inactivity, prolonged sitting, and unhealthy dietary habits are common in Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers. These factors increase risk of long-term health conditions. METHODS: 329 HGV drivers across 25 UK depots completed a health assessment, including questionnaire completion, and objectively measured anthropometrics, blood biomarkers, physical activity (PA), and sedentary behavior. RESULTS: The sample demonstrated a high-risk cardiometabolic health profile. 88.1% were overweight or had obesity, and 11.9% had pre-diabetes or diabetes. 28.3% had hypertension, 83.6% had clinically elevated circulating low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations (>2mmol/l), and 66.6% had high total cholesterol levels (>4mmol/l). On workdays drivers accumulated 12 hours/day of sitting, 1.7 hours/day of light PA, and 9.8 mins/day of moderate-to-vigorous PA. Associations between light PA and cardiometabolic markers were observed. CONCLUSION: This sample presents high levels of inactivity, overweight, and obesity, and unhealthy cardiometabolic health profiles.