The general health status of employees in Germany aged 45 to 59 years (Ü45-Check) - a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to evaluate the general health status of employees aged 45-59 years using data from the Ü45-Check study (2021-2024). In addition, the health status of individual occupational groups was assessed to investigate potential associations within these groups.

METHODS

Clinical and occupational data were collected from 1,040 employees aged 45-59 years from Berlin and Brandenburg, Germany, who participated in the Ü45-Check study. The data were derived from a preventive health examination conducted to identify potential preventive or rehabilitation needs. The clinical examination included anthropometric measurements, bioelectrical impedance analysis, handgrip strength, 12-lead resting electrocardiogram, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, anamnesis, and blood analyses. To categorize health status by occupation, the International Standard Classification of Occupations 2008 (ISCO-08) was applied.

RESULTS

Data from 1,040 participants (n = 631 male, 61%) revealed occupational and sex-related disparities. The mean body mass index (BMI) of the total sample was 26.89 kg/m (sd = 4.90). Plant and Machine Operators and Assemblers had a mean BMI of 28.25 kg/m (sd = 5.19), while those in Elementary Occupations had a mean BMI of 28.45 kg/m (sd = 4.88), which was the highest among the occupational groups. In terms of percent body fat, the highest means were found in Elementary Occupations, 31.03% (sd = 8.65), and Service and Sales Workers, 32.35% (sd = 8.73). Mean systolic blood pressure values were also elevated: Elementary Occupations (139.02 mmHg, sd = 15.92), Skilled Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery Workers and Craft and Related Trades Workers (139.63 mmHg, sd = 15.60), and Plant and Machine Operators and Assemblers (139.78 mmHg, sd = 17.90). Resting electrocardiograms and clinical examinations were largely unremarkable. However, blood analyses revealed elevated total cholesterol (mean = 204.03 mg/dL, sd = 40.18) and low-density lipoprotein (mean = 126.28 mg/dL, sd = 35.30) in both women and men, exceeding reference ranges.

CONCLUSION

These results highlight occupational and sex-based disparities in anthropometric and clinical measures, pointing to significant health concerns such as obesity and increased cardiovascular risk. The findings underscore the importance of occupational health initiatives tailored to specific job demands and sex differences.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

DRKS ID: DRKS00030982.