Cited by 391Sleep and Work-Related FatigueCircadian rhythm and melatoninWorkplace Health and Well-being

Meta-analysis on shift work and risks of specific obesity types

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Sun, M., Feng, W., Wang, F., Li, P., Li, Z., Li, M., Tse, G., Vlaanderen, J. +2 more·2018·Obesity Reviews

Abstract

Summary: Aims: This systematic review and meta‐analysis evaluated the associations between shift work patterns and risks of specific types of obesity. Methods: PubMed was searched until March 2017 for observational studies that examined the relationships between shift work patterns and obesity. Odds ratio for obesity was extracted using a fixed‐effects or random‐effects model. Subgroup meta‐analyses were carried out for study design, specific obesity types and characteristics of shift work pattern. Results: A total of 28 studies were included in this meta‐analysis. The overall odds ratio of night shift work was 1.23 (95% confidence interval = 1.17–1.29) for risk of obesity/overweight. Cross‐sectional studies showed a higher risk of 1.26 than those with the cohort design (risk ratio = 1.10). Shift workers had a higher frequency of developing abdominal obesity (odds ratio = 1.35) than other obesity types. Permanent night workers demonstrated a 29% higher risk than rotating shift workers (odds ratio 1.43 vs. 1.14). Conclusion: This meta‐analysis confirmed the risks of night shift work for the development of overweight and obesity with a potential gradient association suggested, especially for abdominal obesity. Modification of working schedules is recommended, particularly for prolonged permanent night work. More accurate and detailed measurements on shift work patterns should be conducted in future research.

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  • Long-term desynchronization of circadian rhythms is associated with adverse metabolic health effects, including weight gain, increased body fat, obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, higher blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, and elevated risk for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

    “Long-term desynchronization of circadian rhythms is associated with adverse metabolic health effects, including weight gain, increased body fat, obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, higher blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol levels, as well as elevated risk for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome (18, 47–54).”

    From Meal timing and its role in obesity and associated diseases (2024) · cites this paper as [52]

    The Discussion (pp. 9–10) links circadian disruption in night-shift workers to obesity, abdominal fat accumulation and metabolic abnormalities, including insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia. It describes cardiovascular risk as possible, but does not establish the claim’s full list—particularly impaired glucose tolerance, higher blood pressure, diabetes and metabolic syndrome—as effects associated with long-term circadian desynchronization. (LLM, conf=0.87)

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  • A systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that despite no differences in total energy intake on dayshift vs nightshift days, typical adverse effects of mistimed food intake, such as increased risk for obesity, were detected.

    “A systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that despite no differences in total energy intake on dayshift vs. nightshift days, typical adverse effects of mistimed food intake, such as increased risk for obesity, were detected (52).”

    From Meal timing and its role in obesity and associated diseases (2024) · cites this paper as [52]

    The Summary (p. 1) reports that night shift work was associated with increased obesity risk. The Discussion (p. 10) says total daily energy intake did not differ significantly between night-shift and daytime workers, but that compares groups of workers, not dayshift and nightshift days. It also says the effect of night-time eating on obesity among night-shift workers had not been investigated, so the review does not establish obesity as an effect of mistimed food intake. (LLM, conf=0.88)

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Research works printed but not linked: 1

  1. [29]29. Gomez-Parra M, Romero-Arrieta L, Vasquez-Trespalacios EM, Palacio-Jaramillo V, Valencia-Martinez A. Association between shift work and being overweight or obese among health care workers in a clinical setting in Medellin. Colombia Work 2016; 55 : 635 -642.

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Authors
Sun, M., Feng, W., Wang, F., Li, P., Li, Z., Li, M., Tse, G., Vlaanderen, J., Vermeulen, R., & Tse, L. A.
Affiliations
  • Chinese University of Hong Kong (HK)
  • Shenzhen Occupational Disease Prevention Hospital (CN)
  • Utrecht University (NL)
Corresponding author
Tse, L. A.
Venue
Obesity Reviews
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2017-10-04
Volume
19
Issue
1
Pages
28-40
ISSN
  • 1467-7881 (ISSN-L)
  • 1467-789X
OpenAlex
W2763289233
Cited by
391
References
67
Citations by year
2026: 28 · 2025: 37 · 2024: 37 · 2023: 70 · 2022: 59 · 2021: 49 · 2020: 60 · 2019: 32 · 2018: 18
FWCI
4.74
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Obesity Reviews (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Utrecht University Repository (Utrecht University) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • Utrecht University Repository (Utrecht University) (submittedVersion)
Funders
National Natural Science Foundation of China (81273172, 81372964)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Sleep and Work-Related Fatigue
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Endocrine and Autonomic Systems › Circadian rhythm and melatonin
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Workplace Health and Well-being
Keywords
shift work, night shift work, obesity, abdominal obesity, overweight, rotating shifts, occupational health
MeSH terms
Shift Work Schedule, Humans, Obesity, Time Factors, Body Mass Index, Overweight

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