Effect of a Workplace Weight-Loss Program for Overweight and Obese Healthcare Workers

Abstract

Purpose: Examining the effect of a workplace weight-loss program on weight loss, and physical, behavioral and mental well-being among overweight/obese healthcare workers. Design: Quasi experimental design Setting: Single healthcare setting Participants: Forty-one (48.0 ± 11.2 years) day-time shift healthcare employees with body mass index [BMI] >29 kg/m2. Intervention: Sixteen-week program with weekly group meetings/activities and individual appointments with nutrition/health experts. Measures: Objective (weight, BMI, blood pressure) and self-reported measures were collected at baseline, conclusion of the intervention and 3 to 6 months post-intervention. Analysis: Repeated measure analysis accounting for confounders. Results: Participants had an average of 13 pounds (5.6%) weight loss (224.2 ± 6.4 vs. 211.6 ± 6.4 lbs.; P < 0.0001) upon program completion with significant decreases in BMI (37.7 ± 1.0 vs. 35.1 ± 1.0 kg/m2; P < 0.0001). Extreme obesity (BMI≥40 kg/m2) rate was reduced from 36.6% to 17.1% ( P < 0.0001). There were decreases in diastolic blood pressure (76.0 ± 1.4 vs. 68.7 ± 1.5 mmHg; P = 0.001) and self-reported blood glucose (119.9 ± 4.4 vs. 105.5 ± 4.6 mg/dL; P = 0.03). Participants had improvements in weekly physical activity (25% change; P = 0.01), nutrition behavior (33% change, P < 0.0001), sleep quality (23% change, P = 0.005), and depression (72% change, P < 0.0001). Twenty-seven participants had post-intervention follow-up data. On average participants regained 8 pounds, which was less than the initial weight loss (16 lbs., N = 27). Conclusion: The results suggest the program may benefit healthcare employees. Further emphasis should be placed on post-intervention weight management to prevent weight regain.