Effects of retirement on lifestyle in relation to changes in weight and waist circumference in Dutch men: a prospective study

Public Health Nutrition

Astrid CJ Nooyens¹  Caroline TM van Rossum¹  Jacob C Seidell¹  Tommy LS Visscher¹  A Jantine Schuit¹  WM Monique Verschuren¹  Willem van Mechelen¹ 

关键词: Retirement;    Middle age;    Men;    Body weight;    Waist circumference;    Diet;    Physical activity;   

DOI  :  10.1079/PHN2005756

学科分类：卫生学

来源: Cambridge University Press

【 摘 要 】

ObjectiveTo study changes in lifestyle in relation to changes in body weight and waist circumference associated with occupational retirement in men.DesignA prospective cohort study with 5 years of follow-up. At baseline and at follow-up, questionnaires were completed and body weight and waist circumference were measured.SettingThe Doetinchem Cohort Study, consisting of inhabitants of Doetinchem, a town in a rural area of The Netherlands.SubjectsIn total 288 healthy men aged 50–65 years at baseline, who either remained employed or retired over follow-up.ResultsThe effect of retirement on changes in weight and waist circumference was dependent on type of former occupation. Increase in body weight and waist circumference was higher among men who retired from active jobs (0.42 kg year−1 and 0.77 cm year−1, respectively) than among men who retired from sedentary jobs (0.08 kg year−1 and 0.23 cm year−1, respectively). Weight gain and increase in waist circumference were associated with a decrease in fruit consumption and fibre density of the diet, with an increase in frequency of eating breakfast, and with a decrease in several physical activities, such as household activities, bicycling, walking and doing odd jobs.ConclusionRetirement was associated with an increase in weight and waist circumference among those with former active jobs, but not among those with former sedentary jobs. Retirement may bring opportunities for healthy changes in diet and physical activity, which could be used in health promotion programmes.

【 授权许可】

Unknown