Abstract

Ankita Gupta1, Edwina Raj 2, Geetha Santosh3

ABSTRACT

The present study investigates the impact of shift timing on the nutritional status, dietary habits, physical activity, stress, and associated health parameters among IT professionals aged 25–35 years in Bengaluru. Employing a cross-sectional design, the study compared 190 male employees (95 day shift, 95 night shift) through validated questionnaires, body composition analysis (BCA), and biochemical tests. Key findings reveal that while socio-demographic characteristics and general food intake showed no significant differences, night shift workers exhibited markedly irregular meal patterns (77.4% reported irregular meal timing), reduced meal frequency, higher stress levels (64.7% reported “always” feeling stressed vs. 35.3% of day shift), shorter sleep duration (62% of night shift workers slept <6 hours compared to 38% of day shift), increased reliance on food ordering (61.8% of those who “always” ordered food worked night shifts), and specific challenges in maintaining healthy dietary routines. Although BMI values did not differ significantly, BCA revealed higher body fat percentages among night shift workers: 51.6% of obese participants were from the day shift while 48.4% were from the night shift, but visceral fat and lean mass metrics indicated hidden risks. Physical activity levels varied significantly, with only 30% meeting WHO recommendations, and night shift workers compensating more through leisure-time exercise. Beverage consumption (e.g., tea, coffee) did not differ statistically (p = 0.873), but qualitative analysis suggested higher caffeine reliance among night workers. The study underscores the importance of holistic health assessments and targeted interventions for night shift IT professionals to mitigate long-term health risks associated with non-traditional work schedules.