Colds, flues, and even stomach bugs have been known to cause absenteeism at work, but a study in The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine reports that obesity-related health problems also play a part.

The findings of this study are highlighted in this month's edition of Women's Health magazine, showing that as BMI (body mass index) rises, so did survey respondents'' number of sick days. Conditions associated with obesity (BMI of 30 or greater), such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea appear to have a direct effect on calling in sick to work.

According to study, per its summary in Women's Health, people with a BMI of 30 - 34.9 missed two more days per year; 35 - 39.9 missed three or more days; and 40 or more missed five or more days.