Funding Source: Internal Funding

PI: Carolyn M. Muegge, PhD (published dissertation research)

Project Aim:

Identify perceived barriers toward weight management for firefighters to guide the development of health promotion programs for firefighters to improve cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Project Description:

Investigators examined health risk appraisal data collected from a sample of over 2,000 overweight and obese firefighters to identify self-reported barriers to weight management. Relationships between barriers and demographic characteristics, health behaviors, and other health risk factors were also explored.

Summary of Results:

Overweight firefighters who identified as ready to begin a weight management program were more likely to report the following barriers: “lack of knowledge about weight management,” “lack of access to exercise opportunities,” and “eating helps me cope with stress”. Older firefighters were less likely to report barriers to weight management. Future health interventions for firefighters should consider readiness for change and age when promoting healthy weight management.

Related Publications:

	Muegge CM, Zollinger TW, Song Y, Wessel J, Monahan PO, Moffatt SM. Barriers to Weight Management Among Overweight and Obese Firefighters. J Occup Environ Med. 2020 Jan;62(1):37-45. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001751. PMID: 31651603.

Cover Photo by Samuel Ramos on Unsplash