Study: Obesity and Weight Gain Seen in 9/11 Attack Workers and Volunteers

Researchers discovered increased obesity and weight gain in World Trade Center (WTC) workers and volunteers.

Parker Waichman LLP, a national law firm that has long fought to ensure that the responders and survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks are not forgotten, comments that research reveals an elevated prevalence of obesity in former WTC workers and volunteers. The study results appear online on the National Center of Biotechnology Information website in advance of publication in the Archives of Environmental Occupational Health.

The researchers surveyed 220 subjects at the WTC Clinical Center to assess obesity, current employment and disability status, WTC occupational exposure level, medical comorbidities, and dietary and exercise habits. Bivariate (two variables) and logistic regression multivariate (multiple variables) analyses were conducted to review associated risk factors. The researchers found that obesity was tied with active employment status; other significant covariates included Non-Latino African American race, a high number of comorbid chronic diseases, low frequency exercise level, and not drinking any juice on a daily basis, according to NCBI. The study authors found that the tie between obesity and active employment suggests interventions toward healthy habits among actively employed individuals.

According to Parker Waichman, exposure to the toxic conditions during and after the 9/11 terrorist attacks has been tied to a growing array of health conditions, including respiratory illnesses, many different types of cancer, anxiety and panic disorders, and, now, obesity and weight gain. “The findings of this study show us how broadly sweeping the toxic dust exposure and events of the 9/11 attacks reach,” said Matthew J. McCauley, Senior Litigation Counsel at Parker Waichman. “Even though it has been more than one decade since the attacks, numerous responders and survivors continue to suffer from serious and emerging health conditions.”

The firm emphasizes its concern for those individuals who survived the attacks and the many first responders who answered the call for help. The firm also notes the importance of the Zadroga Act, which provides medical benefits and compensation to sick and injured 9/11 responders through the WTC Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). The Act was first passed in 2010. Following years of hard work, the Act was reauthorized and signed into law on December 18, 2015, funding the WTC Health Program for another 75 years and extending the VCF for another five years.

Parker Waichman actively worked toward the 2010 passage of the Zadroga Act, as well its reauthorization in 2015, committing its resources to many related projects, including lobbying efforts and rallies; delegations in trips to the nation's capital, often along with the firm's clients—other responders and survivors; and assistance with, and research on, the creation of the “Take Action” tool, which enabled citizens to review Congress members’ activities concerning the Act.

The firm continues to stand alongside Ground Zero first responders, survivors, and advocates and vows to continue its efforts to safeguard these heroes and ensure that all of the deserved Zadroga Act compensation is received. To determine eligibility for compensation under the Act, or for assistance with a claim, please visit Parker Waichman's website or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).