George Wilson reminisces about his small eight-foot-by-eight-foot home.
It contained two beds, two dogs, and a compact kitchen. Lacking a stove, he would prepare hot dogs for himself and his wife using the microwave. His German Shepherd, Toby Won Kenobi—named after a character from Star Wars—enjoyed lounging on the floor.
Wilson worked as a long-haul truck driver for a decade and, like many in the profession, resided in the truck’s cabin—a 50-foot vehicle.
However, he had to exit the industry in 2016. Over his driving career, his weight skyrocketed from under 300 pounds to almost 470 pounds, leading to diabetes and severe breathing issues.
“The truck driver lifestyle is far from healthy,” Wilson told Business Insider.
Truck driving ranks seventh in workplace injury fatality rates in the U.S. According to data from 2016, 660 occupants of large trucks lost their lives in accidents involving large trucks.
University of Pennsylvania professor Steve Viscelli, who focuses on labor markets and automation, highlighted that health risks from a sedentary lifestyle and poor food options are major deterrents for drivers remaining in the field.
“The pay is insufficient to warrant the long hours, health risks, and personal sacrifices associated with this occupation,” Viscelli remarked to Business Insider.
Prevalence of Obesity and Smoking Among Truck Drivers
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, long-haul truckers encounter “a combination of chronic disease risk factors.”
Truck stops, the main places where drivers can park and grab meals, tend to offer more fast food options than healthy choices like salads or fruits. While a few truck stops are beginning to include gyms, it’s difficult to move much when drivers are often seated for up to 11 hours straight.
“Drivers like me prioritize making money. If the truck isn’t moving, you’re not earning. So, we often opt for quick and easy food,” Wilson explained.
Research from the CDC indicates that nearly 70% of truck drivers are obese, with 17% classified as morbidly obese—defined as being 100 pounds over an ideal weight. In contrast, about a third of American adults overall are obese, with 7% considered morbidly obese.
“We need better dining options beyond fast food chains like McDonald’s or Subway,” said Steve Manley, a 51-year-old trucker with over two decades of experience. “Trucking can lead to serious health issues if you’re not cautious.”
Courtesy of George Wilson
Additional findings from the CDC study point to several risky health behaviors among truck drivers. Over half are current smokers, contrasting with 19% of the general population.
Furthermore, nearly two-thirds of long-haul drivers reported one or more health risk factors, such as obesity, smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, sedentary lifestyle, and insufficient sleep.
Wilson, who hasn’t driven in two years, is pleased to share he has lost over 100 pounds.
“I’m grateful to be down to 350, but I still have more weight to shed,” Wilson stated. “It’s hard to lose it.” He suffers from sleep apnea, requiring a breathing machine at night, and admits his diabetes is “out of control.”
“Truck driving significantly impacted my health,” Wilson told Business Insider. “It’s straightforward to see why this industry is struggling.”
