A Descriptive Analysis of Body Composition Among Forest Firefighters in Spain

J Occup Environ Med. 2020 May;62(5):e174-e179. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001842.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the body composition profile of forest firefighters. Data were collected from 701 forest firefighters.

Methods: We have carried out this analysis using a bioimpedance scale BC-601 of the brand Tanita ISO 9001 Certified.

Results: Obtained values of body mass index 24.85 in women and 27.83 in men. The visceral fat index was 5 in women and 9 in men. In both cases, taking as reference the values proposed by the WHO, women are within a low-moderate risk of cardiovascular or metabolic diseases. Men are at a moderate-high risk.

Conclusions: The values obtained in the analysis show that forest firefighters have a moderate risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in the future. It is effective to propose future works that elaborate specific physical activity plans to improve their health profile.

MeSH terms

  • Adiposity
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Body Composition / physiology*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cardiometabolic Risk Factors
  • Female
  • Firefighters / statistics & numerical data*
  • Forests*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Health
  • Spain / epidemiology
  • Young Adult