Publication details
Eating habits of pilots - Czech Army air force members and civil pilots
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| Year of publication | 2016 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
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| Description | Introduction: Pilots’ health as well as their capability to make quick perceptions and decisions in the course of the flight is, to great extent, dependent on their nutrition. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the eating habits of military and civil pilots, their knowledge of nutritional recommendations and specific nutrition aspects concerning their profession. Materials and methods: Information concerning pilots’ eating habits has been obtained by a questionnaire. Study group consisted of 58 pilots of transport planes (civil pilots) and military pilots from the Czech Army. Results: Majority of military and non-military pilots were of the opinion they had sufficient knowledge of the principles of healthy nutrition, and they usually or at least occasionally adhered to dietary guidelines. A majority of military pilots, however, stated that they were not familiar, or they were aware but did not maintain the specific nutritional recommendations for pilots on flight days. Most civil pilots reported that they knew these specific nutritional recommendations, yet merely 44 % of the respondents followed them. On the basis of BMI values, 59.1 % of civil and 61.1 % of military pilots had excessive body mass. After starting their job, most pilots reported further weight gain. Conclusions: While military pilots’ nutrition is thoroughly planned in every detail, civil pilots have the freedom to decide whether to practice a healthy lifestyle or not. Employers of civil pilots should pay more attention to adequate nutrition in their employees’ canteens as well as to support their physical activities. |