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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, February 2, 2004

Strenuous jobs linked to burning off weight

 •  Aerobic activity off the job boosts overall good health
 •  A few tests can keep tabs on your cardiac health

Gannett News Service

Preliminary results of a study on what is driving the national trend toward more obesity show "huge effects of work-related exercise" on obesity.

People in strenuous jobs are significantly thinner than people of similar backgrounds and incomes who get less exercise at work, according to a study done by the Rand Corp. and the University of Chicago.

Here is a calculation on calories burned every half hour by a 170-pound worker.

  • Fighting a fire: 463.5
  • Shoveling, digging ditches: 328.5
  • Carrying heavy load (such as bricks): 309
  • Working in general forestry: 309
  • Working in masonry, concrete: 270.5
  • Building road: 232
  • Chopping and splitting wood: 232
  • Mining coal: 232
  • Working in construction, outside remodeling: 212.5
  • Waiting tables: 154.5
  • Working in bakery, general: 154.5
  • Raking leaves: 154.5
  • Cleaning house: 135
  • Caring for a child, general: 135
  • Working in carpentry, general: 135
  • Doing electrical, plumbing work : 135
  • Standing, moderate (fast assembly): 135
  • Standing, light (clerk, filing): 96.5
  • Typing: 58
  • Sitting, light office work: 58

Note: Calculations are a general guideline and may vary according to metabolism and other factors. Consider discussing your calorie output with your physician.

Source: Health Calculators provided by the Orlando (Fla.) Regional Hospitals.