What Every Truck Driver Needs to Know About Their Health – Backed by a 2024 Global Study
Welcome to another ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST post.
We simplify real scientific studies so everyday Australians can understand the risks and take action. If you're just curious, or if trucking runs in your family, this one’s for you.
👉 At the end of this post, you’ll find the original scientific paper. You can download it, collect it, or fact-check us if you’d like.
❗️Why We Chose This Research
Because your truck might be hurting you, even if you don’t feel it yet.
We’re not here to scare you – we’re here to help you see what’s really going on before it’s too late.
🧪 Research Paper Name
“Keep on truckin’: how effective are health behaviour interventions on truck drivers’ health?”
Published in BMC Public Health (2024)
👉 Link at the bottom of the page.
🚦What Health Problems Do Truck Drivers Face?
1. Obesity That’s Off the Charts
-
In Australia, over half (54.3%) of truck drivers are obese
-
That’s twice as bad as the general public (32.5%)
2. Heart Problems Are Lurking
Truck drivers are more likely to suffer:
-
High blood pressure (silent killer)
-
High cholesterol (clogs your arteries)
-
High blood sugar (leads to diabetes)
These can cause heart attacks and strokes without warning.
3. Back Pain and Muscle Damage
-
Sitting for 10+ hours a day
-
Constant vibrations from the seat
-
Lifting loads with poor support
Over time, this leads to:
-
Chronic lower back pain
-
Neck stiffness
-
Slipped discs
-
Even nerve damage if ignored
4. Sleep Deprivation Destroys Your Body
-
Many truckers barely sleep 5 hours
-
Poor sleep = poor focus = deadly risks
-
Long-term? It increases your chance of:
-
Heart disease
-
Depression
-
Memory loss
-
5. Mental Health Breakdown
-
Lonely roads. Long hours. Constant pressure.
Result? -
Depression
-
Anxiety
-
Burnout
Some truckers use alcohol or cigarettes to cope — which makes everything worse.
6. No Time, No Doctor
-
Many drivers skip doctor visits
-
By the time they notice a problem, it’s often too late
-
Simple fatigue might be an early sign of a bigger issue
🔥 What Disasters Can This Lead To?
If not taken seriously, these health problems can result in:
-
Heart attack while driving
-
Falling asleep behind the wheel
-
Permanent disability from chronic back pain
-
Losing your job license from health failure
-
Reduced life expectancy by 10–15 years
That’s not just about you — it affects your family, income, and future.
🚚 Real Talk: Why Does This Happen?
Because the job is built this way:
-
No time for breaks
-
Fast food at every stop
-
No place to stretch or move
-
Pressure to keep moving no matter what
It’s not your fault. But now that you know, you can take small steps to protect yourself.
👀 What Can You Do About It?
Even if you don’t have time for a gym or doctor, you can still:
✅ Do light movements during loading/unloading
✅ Improve circulation with passive muscle stimulation like EMS
✅ Stretch 2 minutes before bed
✅ Choose one healthy snack per day
✅ Talk to someone – don’t carry it alone
🛠️ What’s ORIEMS FIT and Why Do We Share This?
At Oriems Fit, a 100% Australian Award-Winning Brand, we care deeply about helping real people — especially those doing tough jobs.
Our Wide-Range Targeted Muscle Stimulator supports people with:
-
Back pain
-
Muscle tension
-
Long work hours
-
Trouble moving due to sitting all day
It’s not a medical device. It doesn’t replace a doctor. But it can be a tool to help you feel better every day.
🔍 Want the Full Study?
Here’s the original research paper, published by top Australian universities in BMC Public Health (2024):
Download or read the full paper here
Trusted source. Peer-reviewed. No fluff.
🧠 About ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST
We make real research easier to understand for everyone. Whether you're in school or retired, we want to inspire curiosity and help you start your own journey to better health.
Each blog is based on peer-reviewed studies. We keep it simple, honest, and useful — just how Aussie brands should be.
💬 Let’s Talk
Do you work in trucking? Or does someone you love?
Have you felt any of these symptoms before?
Leave a comment below — we’d love to hear your story.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This blog post is for informational and recreational purposes only. It’s not medical advice.
Always speak to a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.