Health Column: Truck drivers are particularly vulnerable to the risks of overweight and obesity, which are direct consequences of the sedentary nature of their work. A study conducted in Alberta highlights alarming levels of cardiometabolic risk factors among Canadian truck drivers, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. These risks are exacerbated by long hours of driving, limited opportunities for exercise, and restricted access to healthy food options on the road. The situation in the United States mirrors this, with nearly 70% of truck drivers being obese, compared to a national average of approximately 40%.
The implications of these conditions are serious and far-reaching. Obesity can lead to chronic diseases such as heart disease, strokes, and certain types of cancer. Moreover, the combination of a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet increases the risk of sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, which can reduce alertness while driving and heighten the risk of accidents.
To address these issues, it is crucial to promote healthier behaviors among truck drivers by encouraging regular physical activity and improving access to nutritious food options. Awareness initiatives and workplace wellness programs play a vital role in supporting truck drivers in preventing obesity-related complications. In this context, we spoke with Dr. Denis Boucher on Truck Stop Quebec radio, where he shared the inspiring story of a trucker who made a significant lifestyle change:
“When he made his plan, I provided him with his daily requirements for calories, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The guy calculated everything. He bought his Tupperware containers and said, ‘My sandwich fits in here, my spaghetti fits in this one.’ He was set for the whole week. All his meals were planned in those Tupperware containers. He knew exactly what to eat, when to eat, and even his cashew nuts were scheduled to the minute,” explains Dr. Boucher.
“When he stopped at rest areas, he took out his resistance band, attached it to the door handle, did the basic exercises I had shown him, walked for fifteen minutes, then got back in his truck and hit the road. A year later, all this effort led him to lose 80 pounds. Wow!”
Truck drivers often say they don’t have the time, and it’s true that their schedules are demanding and sometimes stressful. But according to Dr. Boucher, it’s essential to choose health, to prioritize oneself and invest time in it. The trucker he spoke of made that choice: he implemented strategies that fit his routine, like using Tupperware to avoid recalculating his portions at every meal. This commitment to his health allowed him to transform his life and significantly improve his well-being.
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