Background

Updated indications for metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) include a BMI>=35, with or without co-morbidities, and surgery consideration for individuals with a BMI=30-34.9 and metabolic disease. Based on these criteria, we have examined MBS eligibility among employees from a community-based hospital.

Methods

The study included 338 hospital employees working different shifts (night/day, 8-12 h). Body size was categorized according to participants' body mass index (BMI) and, also, out of curiosity, from self-perceptions. MBS eligibility was a BMI>=35 or BMI=30-34.9 with metabolic disease. Factors contributing to, or associated with, obesity were assessed via survey analysis of employees' health status, demographics (gender, age), and lifestyle (meal timing, sleep, stress, physical activity).

Results

Among the participants, 56% 'perceived' their body size as lean or normal, 32% overweight, 10% obese, and 1% severely obese. However, according to their BMI, 74% of employees were overweight or obese (BMI>=25), 41% obese (BMI >=30), and 10% severely obese (BMI>=40). According to updated MBS criteria, 19% of employees qualified for surgery based on BMI (>=35) and another 5% with BMI=30-34.5 and poorly controlled metabolic issues. Nightshift employees (12 h) had the highest incidence of obesity (49%) and surgery eligibility (29% BMI>=35 and an additional 13% BMI=30-34.9 and metabolic disease). Factors statistically (p<0.05) associated with, or contributing to, obesity included age, physical activity, sleep, and number of metabolic diseases.

Conclusions

Under updated guidelines, a relatively large number of our hospital employees qualify for MBS, underlining the importance and need for staff education on obesity causes and treatments, including surgery.