Unhealthy Eating Behaviours and Junk Food Consumption in Industrial Shift Workers

Introduction: Shift work, including night work currently involves more than 17% of workers in Europe and is associated with increased cardiovascular risk (CVR). Meal timing and diet play an important role in promoting cardio-metabolic diseases. In the present study we aimed at evaluating the cardio- metabolic profile and the intake of Junk Food (JF) and fresh vegetables (FV) in a sample of shift workers (SW) working in an industrial setting.

Methods: In an Italian Cement Plant we enrolled 22 male SW, (30–59 years), currently working 3 shifts over 24 hours (morning, M 6 am-2 pm; afternoon, A 2 pm-10 pm; night, N 10 pm22–6 am), with a fast rotation schedule (M-M, P-P, N-N, Rest-R). Sixteen age-matched day coworkers with similar mental and physical job tasks (DW; 8a.m.-5 pm) were also enrolled as controls. In all workers’ weight, height, waist (W) and hip (H) circumferences, W/H, triglyceride, HDL and LDL cholesterol were quantified. The weekly JF and FV intake were obtained in each participant by ad hoc individual food diaries. Values are expressed as mean ± SD. All subjects signed an informed consensus for data collection.

Results: BMI and W/H, triglycerides were higher in SW compared with DW (29.9 ± 6.9 versus 25.7 ± 2.7kg/m2; 0.97 ± 0.079 versus 0.91 ± 0.05; 134.8 ± 99 vs 98.5 ± 35.8mg/dl); HDL blood levels were lower in SW compared with DW (48.3 ± 10.4 vs 52.2 ± 11.9mg/dL). A complete dysregulated time eating pattern both during work and rest days was observed in SW, with skipping breakfast, lunch and dinner in favor of high-fat snacks characterized by low quality of nutrients. In SW, the weekly intake of JF was higher (p = 0.005) and FV lower (p = 0.019) compared with DW.

Conclusion: The overweight and initial dyslipidaemia observed in these still healthy SW associated with an unhealthy eating pattern (timing and quality) may increase, especially if this condition will last a long time, the risk of developing cardiometabolic disease that are already facilitated by the circadian misalignment and sleep disorders. Introducing policies in working place aimed at modifying the unsafe global eating behavioral and at facilitating regular physical exercise, may help in preventing acute and chronic morbidity in these workers. Support: Heidelberg-Materials Occupational Health System, Italy.

 

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No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

Publication History

Article published online:
08 October 2025