Edmonton obesity staging system (EOSS) and work ability in the evaluation of workers affected by obesity: A preliminary report

Objective: Obesity and work-ability may be influenced by reduced performance, associated diseases, and obesogenic environment. Methods: Two hundred seventy-six male (46.7±10.6 years; BMI 33.3±4.4 kg/m2) and 658 female (48.4±9.7 years; BMI 33.6±5.4 kg/m2) were enrolled. They were classified by Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS) and interviewed for ''perceived'' work-ability. Results: Total work ability score was 1.3±2.1 in EOSS 0, 1.2±1.5 in EOSS 1, 1.8±2 in EOSS 2, 2.0±2.2 in EOSS 3. Work-ability, in relation to EOSS adjusted for sex, age, work categories referred to EOSS 0, was highest in EOSS stage 3 (P<0.001 for trend) and with reference to Administration; Industries showed the worst score (P<0.001) followed by Health (P=0.001) and Service (P=0.01). Conclusion: The relation between EOSS and work-ability empowers clinical decision-making and helps to assess the impact of overweight on health and fitness for work.