"Compared to those who spent one to six nights a month away from home for business travel, those who spent 14 or more nights away from home per month had significantly higher body mass index scores and were significantly more likely to report the following: poor self-rated health; clinical symptoms of anxiety, depression and alcohol dependence; no physical activity or exercise; smoking; and trouble sleeping. The odds of being obese were 92% higher for those who traveled 21 or more nights per month compared to those who traveled only one to six nights per month, and this ultra-traveling group also had higher diastolic blood pressure and lower high density lipoprotein (the good cholesterol)," said the researchers. 

While those who travel two or more weeks per month accounted for only 12 percent of the total sample, the researchers believe that the fact that so many health conditions cluster in this group is worrying. These chronic conditions tend to create headaches for employers, such as increased health care costs, absenteeism or presenteeism (working while sick), and short-term disability. While not explicitly mentioned, it may be safe to presume that such health conditions also present severe quality of life barriers for the employee, outside of any bottom line impact.