Overweight and obesity in Greek warship personnel: prevalence and correlations

Eur J Public Health. 2004 Dec;14(4):395-7. doi: 10.1093/eurpub/14.4.395.

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of obesity among the personnel of a Greek warship and to highlight the potential relationship of the body-mass index (BMI).

Methods: Data on behavioural and demographic characteristics, among 274 men of a Greek warship, aged between 19 and 38 years, were analysed.

Results: 26.5% of participants were overweight and 4.7% obese. BMI was correlated with age, and cigarette pack-years, and inverse correlated with the aerobic exercise. No significant associations were found between BMI and alcohol consumption.

Conclusion: A relatively high proportion of obesity was found in a Greek military population. Intervention and prevention measures should be targeted at the promotion of physical activity and the reduction of the smoking behaviour of personnel.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Body Mass Index
  • Body Weight*
  • Exercise
  • Greece / epidemiology
  • Health Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Military Personnel / statistics & numerical data*
  • Naval Medicine
  • Obesity / epidemiology*
  • Occupational Health
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Ships
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Workforce