Truck driving can be a rewarding career. It also comes with many risks. Due to the nature of truck driving, many drivers have a higher risk of developing certain health issues. Obesity is a common health issue in the trucking industry. Many truck drivers find themselves gaining weight because of the lack of exercise and limited access to healthy food. A study finds that long haul truck drivers are more likely to be obese. Obesity is a health issue that affects more truck drivers than anything else. Truck drivers are the backbone of America. Without truckers, stores would not have supplies or food on the shelf. Drivers need to be aware of the health risks that obesity causes and how to reduce risks of becoming obese.
Why obesity is common in truck drivers
A CDC study reports that nearly 7 in 10 truck drivers are obese. The nature of truck driving does not exactly promote a healthy lifestyle. Therefore many drivers are prone to becoming obese. Drivers spend up to 11 hours a day sitting down and have limited options to healthy food on the road. Of course there is the option of bringing healthy food, but that may not always be a realistic option for truck drivers. Truck drivers also lack exercise, which is an important factor in maintaining body weight. Due to the amount of driving time on the road, it can be difficult for truck drivers to find time in their work day to exercise.
Reduce your risks
As a truck driver, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of obesity. Obesity is a serious health issue that can lead to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and more. Here are some ways truck drivers can reduce the risk of obesity.
Exercise: Exercising once a day has many health benefits. For truck drivers, it can get difficult to find time to exercise while on the road. After driving all day, exercising may seem like the last thing you want to do. Exercising a few minutes each day can improve your overall health. The benefits of exercise include:
- Burning off calories
- Losing weight
- Improving circulation
- Prevent diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Improve heart and lung function.
Exercising can be as simple as walking, running or doing jumping jacks. Take a few minutes out of each day to get your heart pumping and blood flowing.
Check out our blog 3 Ways to Stay Active on the Road as a Truck Driver
Eat Healthy: Life on the road makes it difficult to find a healthy meal. Truck drivers have the option of bringing their own healthy food, but some drivers may not have the proper storage or cooking equipment for eating in their truck. Eating fast food three times a day can take a toll on one’s health. Fast food and greasy truck stop food are high in calories and saturated fat, which lead to weight gain. Consider picking up healthy food options before hitting the road. Also, consider investing in necessary cooking appliances for your semi truck. This will allow you to live a much healthier lifestyle on the road.
For healthy meal ideas, check out our blog Quick and Healthy Meals for Truckers.
2 Responses
I’m looking for a secondary insurance plan to pay the difference my work insurance doesnt pay.
Carl, we partner with the Health Plan Partner, he should be able to help you with your request, or point you in the right direction. He can be reached at 724-954-6266 or through his website, healthplanpartner.com.