Modern Aboriginal Economies: Capitalism with a Red Face

Abstract

Introduction: Eating behavior affects weight and thus development of obesity. Studies about the effect of burnout on eating behavior are lacking. The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between burnout, eating behavior and body weight among working aged subjects. Methods: Altogether 352 employees were recruited to a randomized controlled intervention trial (NUADU). Eating behavior was assessed by Three Factor Eating Behavior Questionnaire 18, and burnout with Bergen Burnout Indicator 15, at baseline and 12 months. Body weight and body fat percent were measured at baseline and 12 months. Results: Women with burnout had higher scores in emotional eating (EE, with burnout 57.0 versus without burnout 42.7, P = 0.003) and uncontrolled eating (UE, 43.1 versus 32.6, P = 0.001) than those without burnout. Men who lost weight decreased their UE (-10.66, P = 0.001) whilst women who lost weight decreased UE (-4.04, P = 0.002) and EE (-5.62, P = 0.007) and increased their CR (5.69, P < 0.001). Women without burnout had small decreases in the levels of EE (-3.0, P < 0.05) and UE (-3.1, P < 0.01) and small increase in CR (3.1, P < 0.001). Those with burnout didn't change their eating behavior. Women who decreased their burnout scores decreased their EE (-4.2, P = 0.017) and UE (-3.2, P = 0.004) and increased their CR (3.8, P = 0.009). They also had small decreases in BMI (-0.41, P = 0.012), waist circumference (-1.34, P = 0.009) and fat percent (-0.9, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Subjects suffering from burnout may be more vulnerable for emotional and uncontrolled eating that may lead to obesity. They may have hindered possibility to make changes to eating behavior needed for weight loss. Thus, burnout and eating behavior should be evaluated when treating obesity.