Strengths of our study also warrant comment. Analyses were based on a well-established cohort of farmers from an inclusive sampling frame. Our sampling was developed taking into account the full geographic, and resultant farming practice, range of agriculture in Saskatchewan. We were able to consider ranges of exposure to different types of farm

work allowing the assessment of dose-response. We were also able to compare findings from the cohort with those from the Canadian and Saskatchewan population using comparable measures. Our findings suggest that there is an increased risk of being overweight or obese with higher levels of mechanization. This is of obvious public health importance as the negative health consequences of obesity are well established (Must et al., 1999). Obesity also has consequences in terms of lost productivity, and selleck chemicals llc on farms this has been demonstrated in terms of sick leave for back disorders stemming from tractor work as well as leaves from work due to disability related to obesity (Hartman et al., 2006). All GSK1349572 cost of these consequences can negatively impact the health of farmers and the viability of farm operations. Despite these negative impacts, we are not promoting a reduction in farm mechanization as a viable intervention. First, replacement of mechanized with non-mechanized tasks will undoubtedly lead to

more opportunity for exposure to risk and hence injury. Second, reducing mechanization would reduce productivity in an already economically unstable occupational environment. Therefore, addressing heightened risks for obesity amongst farm people will need to be done within the context of an occupational environment that is becoming increasingly mechanized. Researchers and employers are developing during strategies to incorporate light intensity activity

into sedentary office occupations (e.g., standing desk, movement breaks) (Chau et al., 2010), and similar approaches could be considered for sedentary farming tasks. Increased efforts should be placed on increasing leisure-time physical activity amongst farm people, particularly those who spend most of their occupational time being sedentary. Finally, interventions could focus on the other behavioral determinants of obesity such as improving eating and sleep behaviors. This novel Canadian analysis examined engagement in different types of mechanized and non-mechanized work and how these related to overweight and obesity. Obesity is a major health issue on farms, and as such requires attention at both clinical and population health levels of intervention. While the mechanization of farm work has obvious benefits in terms of productivity, its potential effects on risks for overweight and obesity must be recognized. Conflict of Interest Statement No conflicts of interest to declare by any author. Ainsworth et al., 2000 Brumby et al., 2013 Bonauto et al., 2014 Cassady et al., 2007 Chau et al., 2010 Chen et al.