Study: Fast-Food Workers More Prone to Obesity and Hypertension

18th March 2025

5 minutes read

Study: Fast-Food Workers More Prone to Obesity and Hypertension

Fast-food restaurants have become an essential part of modern urban life, offering quick, convenient, and inexpensive meals. However, these benefits often come at the cost of nutritional quality, leading to significant health concerns for both consumers and employees. A recent study conducted by the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, has shed light on a crucial yet often overlooked issue—the health risks faced by fast-food restaurant workers due to their continuous exposure to high-calorie, processed foods.

The study, conducted in Amman, Jordan, focused on fast-food employees’ dietary habits, body weight, and blood pressure levels, aiming to determine whether their frequent consumption of fast food had a direct impact on their health. The findings were striking, revealing a strong correlation between regular fast-food consumption, obesity, and high blood pressure among these workers.

Fast-Food Consumption and Its Link to Health Risks

Fast food is typically high in saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, and refined carbohydrates, all of which are known to contribute to weight gain, high cholesterol levels, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular diseases. Given the nature of their jobs, fast-food employees often have limited meal options, leading them to consume the same unhealthy foods that they serve to customers daily.

The fast-paced, high-stress environment of these restaurants further exacerbates the issue. Long working hours, unpredictable shifts, and minimal time for breaks often result in poor dietary choices, insufficient physical activity, and inadequate sleep, all of which contribute to an increased risk of metabolic disorders.

Methodology: How the Study Was Conducted

Published in the journal Clinical Nutrition and Open Science, this research involved a detailed analysis of 386 fast-food employees working in various restaurants in Amman. The research team collected data through:

Questionnaires assessing the frequency of fast-food consumption, portion sizes, and overall dietary patterns
Physical measurements including height, weight, and blood pressure readings
Calculation of Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine obesity levels

The study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of how occupational exposure to fast food influences long-term health outcomes.

Key Findings: The Impact of Fast-Food Consumption on Workers

The study produced several alarming findings:

Frequent Fast-Food Consumption Increases Hypertension Risk

- Employees who consumed fast food multiple times per week showed significantly higher blood pressure levels than those who ate it less frequently.
- Excessive sodium intake, a characteristic of most fast foods, is a leading cause of hypertension, which, if left untreated, can result in heart disease, strokes, and kidney damage.

Larger Portion Sizes Contribute to Obesity

- Workers who consistently ate larger meal portions were at a higher risk of obesity, as excessive calorie intake leads to fat accumulation and metabolic imbalances.
- Many employees reported eating free or discounted meals provided by their workplace, making it difficult for them to control portion sizes and make healthier choices.

Men and Older Employees Were at Higher Risk

- The study found that male employees and older workers were more likely to suffer from obesity and high blood pressure than their younger, female counterparts.
- This could be attributed to longer exposure to unhealthy eating habits over the years, combined with age-related metabolic changes.

Fast-Food Work Environment Negatively Affects Health

- Many employees experienced high stress levels, irregular work hours, and insufficient physical activity, all of which worsen health conditions.
- The study highlighted that employees who worked night shifts were particularly at risk, as their disrupted sleep cycles further contributed to weight gain and metabolic disorders.

Why This Study Matters: A First of Its Kind in Jordan

This is the first study in Jordan to systematically examine the impact of fast-food consumption on the health of industry workers. While extensive research has been conducted on fast-food consumers, little attention has been given to the health of the employees who are constantly exposed to these unhealthy eating habits.

As obesity and hypertension rates continue to rise worldwide, studies like this one emphasize the urgent need for workplace health interventions—not just in Jordan, but in fast-food industries across the globe.

Proposed Solutions: How to Improve Workers’ Health

The findings of this study underscore the necessity for health-focused interventions within fast-food restaurants. Researchers recommend the following measures:

Improve Nutritional Options for Employees

Employers should provide healthier meal alternatives for workers, including salads, lean proteins, whole grains, and fresh fruits.
Restaurants should reduce sodium content in employee meals and limit portion sizes to prevent overconsumption.

Educate Employees on Healthy Eating Habits

Implement mandatory nutrition education programs to help employees make informed food choices.
Offer workshops on portion control, reading nutrition labels, and the risks of excessive fast-food consumption.
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Encourage Physical Activity

Restaurants should offer incentives for employees who engage in physical activities, such as gym memberships or step-tracking competitions.
Employers can adjust shift schedules to allow workers more time for exercise.

Implement Regular Health Screenings

Conduct routine health check-ups for fast-food employees, including blood pressure monitoring and BMI assessments.
Offer counseling sessions for those at risk of hypertension, obesity, or other metabolic disorders.

Address Work-Related Stress

Introduce stress management programs to reduce workplace burnout and emotional eating.
Provide sufficient break times and better shift rotations to ensure employees have enough time for rest and recovery.

The Bigger Picture: Implications for Public Health

The study’s findings not only highlight the health risks faced by fast-food workers but also raise broader concerns about the long-term consequences of fast-food consumption in society. Given that fast food has become a staple diet for millions of people worldwide, addressing its negative effects at the workplace level is crucial in mitigating the global obesity epidemic and the rising rates of cardiovascular diseases.

Governments and public health organizations should collaborate with fast-food chains to enforce healthier workplace policies, regulate meal compositions, and promote wellness programs within the industry.

A Call for Action

Fast-food workers, like all employees, deserve a safe and healthy work environment that does not put their well-being at risk. This study serves as a wake-up call for policymakers, employers, and workers alike, emphasizing the urgent need for better workplace health initiatives.

By implementing targeted interventions, improving meal options, and promoting a healthier lifestyle, fast-food restaurants can help their employees lead longer, healthier, and more productive lives.