Objective:

Aim of this study was to determine the incidence of obesity in health professionals and to investigate the effects of obesity on depression and physical health.

Materials and Methods:

Research has been applied to the medical staff and auxiliary staff of Mustafa Kemal University Research Hospital. 131 individuals were included in the study. Socio-demographic information form, New York Posture Analysis and Beck Depression Scale were applied. Body Mass Index (BMI), daily working hours, daily number of meals, perception of body image, eating habits and sleep state were examined.

Results:

Individuals with age between 19-60 were included in the study. 52 individuals were male, 72 of them were female. Of these individuals, 85 were married, 46 were single. A statiscally significant relationship has not been found between spending time at the dining table and obesity. Statistically significant difference has been found between BMI and perception. Also, statistically significant relationship has been found between exessive consumption of food in a meal and obesity. There has been no significant relationship between drinking water while eating meal and less chewing meals. Acidic drink consumption frequency has been found to be more in obese individuals than others. A significant difference has been found between fruit-vegetable consumption frequency and BMI. It has been observed that obese and overweight individuals consume fruits more frequently than normal and slim individuals. Frequency of consumption of sugary and fatty foods has been seen more in obese and overweight individuals than normal and weak individuals. Statistically significant difference has been found between number of meals and BMI.

Conclusion:

Identification of the prevalence of obesity which is a society problem with increasing importance and factors affecting obesity in healthcare workers who are the main persons fighting against the obesity are extremely important. It has been thought that obesity brings significant orthopedic problems due to postural issues. Additionally, body image perception in overweight and obese individuals result in a biopsycho- socio-cultural aspects and treatment program must be created comprehensively. Obesity causes systemic diseases, especially cardiac, diabetes and orthopedic problems, so appropriate and specific exercises should be given individually.

Keywords: Health care professionals, body mass index, depression, posture, eating habits