When Steve Jones first started his career as a truck driver almost twenty years ago, he quickly fell into unhealthy habits. To combat drowsiness on the road, he relied on a 2-liter bottle of Mountain Dew each day and kept a loaf of bread within reach for quick energy. At truck stops, he often grabbed fast, unhealthy options like hot dogs, leading to a significant weight gain of 70 pounds.
Unfortunately, Jones’ story is all too common among the 3.5 million truck drivers in the United States, with over two-thirds of them classified as obese.
“There was never any discussion about health when I entered this industry,” Jones reflects. “The focus was solely on delivering the freight from one point to another.”
The challenging lifestyle of truckers, with limited access to nutritious food, irregular sleep patterns, and a payment structure based on miles traveled, contributes to their increased risk of health issues. Truck drivers are twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to the general population, and their life expectancy is tragically cut short at just 61 years old.
Jones’ journey took a positive turn when his wife, Gina, joined him on the road fourteen years ago. Together, they made a commitment to prioritize their health and wellness, seeking support from a health coach through Offshift, a digital health app tailored specifically for truckers.
By paying closer attention to their diet and physical activity, the couple began preparing healthier meals for their journeys. They opted for dishes like turkey meatloaf, chicken breast, broccoli, and green beans instead of the greasy, processed foods they used to consume. Since March 2024, they have collectively shed more than 50 pounds, marking a significant improvement in their overall well-being.
Offshift is just one of the many programs designed to help individuals build healthier lifestyles and manage chronic diseases. Despite the prevalence of such initiatives, including nationally certified diabetes prevention programs, there has been a struggle to achieve widespread adoption. This challenge persists as the United States grapples with escalating rates of obesity and cardiometabolic diseases.
Jones and Gina’s transformation serves as a beacon of hope, showcasing the power of intentional choices and support systems in fostering positive change. Their journey highlights the importance of prioritizing health and wellness, even in demanding and high-stress environments like the trucking industry.
