Body weight and premature retirement: Population-based evidence from Finland

Abstract

Background: Health status is a principal determinant of labour market participation. In this study, we examined whether excess weight is associated with withdrawal from the labour market owing to premature retirement. Methods: The analyses were based on nationally representative data from Finland over the period 2001-15 (N ∼2500). The longitudinal data included objective measures of body weight (i.e. body mass index and waist circumference) linked to register-based information on actual retirement age. The association between the body weight measures and premature retirement was modelled using cubic b-splines via logistic regression. The models accounted for other possible risk factors and potential confounders, such as smoking and education. Results: Excess weight was associated with an increased risk of premature retirement for both men and women. A closer examination revealed that the probability of retirement varied across the weight distribution and the results differed between sexes and weight measures. Conclusion: Body weight outside a recommended range elevates the risk of premature retirement.