A new study finds higher risk of metabolic syndrome in shift workers, compared with those working daytime.  Researchers analyzed data from 1667 of Japanese male workers aged 36 to 57 years and found 2-shift work was associated with 43% increased risk for metabolic syndrome as compared with those who worked daytime.  It is unknown why shift work may increase the risk of metabolic syndrome.  What is known is that shift work can not only affect sleep but also a person's dietary practice.  Early research linked shift work to higher risk of breast cancer and it is assumed that circadian is disrupted in shift workers.  Some organizations suggest that shift work should be considered a potential human carcinogen.

Kawada T, Otsuka T. Effect of shift work on the development of metabolic syndrome after 3 years in Japanese male workers.  Arch Environ Occup Health. 2014;69(1):55-61. doi: 10.1080/19338244.2012.732123.