Author(s): Peter Oluwadare Kalejaiye*, Hamett Quincy Brown, Bernice Akinwande, Onarenuan Precious Onwubuya and Chioma Gladys Akubueziokwu
Approximately 40.5% of U.S. adults aged 20 and older are obese, which poses significant challenges for personal health, social interaction, and employment for those with obesity-related disabilities who may struggle to join the workforce [4]. While conventional fitness programs can support weight loss, many individuals are unable to access them due to socioeconomic, motivational, or environmental barriers [5,6]. Gig economy platforms, such as ridesharing, delivery, and micro tasking, offer flexible job options that may provide income and incidental physical activity for people [15,16]. Previous studies have shown that gig work, through consistent involvement, may enhance workforce participation and benefit weight management and other health outcomes [15,16]. However, there are limited attempts to explore the relationship between gig work, workforce participation, and weight management for people with obesity-related disabilities. The narrative literature review focused on gig work connected with workforce participation and weight management for adults with obesity-related disabilities. Theoretical perspectives, such as occupational physical activity and incidental exercise [34], behavioral change frameworks, such as social cognitive theory [35], and the theory of planned behavior [36], were utilized in the study. A narrative search of literature from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and other platforms for publications between 1991 and 2025 identified 55 relevant studies and reports. Results show that gig work involving active tasks can lead to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), potentially aid weight reduction, and enhance the participation of some individuals with obesity-related disabilities in the workforce. There is a need to promote gig work to enhance workforce participation and weight management for people with obesity-related disabilities.
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