Abstract 13112: A Lifestyle Intervention Reduces Body Weight and Improves Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Worksites

Abstract

Background [[Unable to Display Character: —]] Worksites serve as potential locations for implementing dietary and weight loss interventions; however, there is an urgent need to identify programs that are both effective and sustainable.

Methods and Results [[Unable to Display Character: —]] We conducted a 6-month worksite-randomized controlled trial of a weight loss program versus wait-listed control in overweight and obese employees. The intervention combined recommendations to consume a reduced energy, high fiber, low glycemic load diet with education on nutrition and behavior change, and a subsequent 6-month structured weight maintenance program. Concurrently, a low-intensity health and nutrition education program was available to all employees. The primary outcome was change in body weight and secondary outcomes included changes in cardiometabolic risk factors. One hundred and thirty-three employees enrolled in and 89% completed outcome assessments. Mean weight loss was substantial in program participants whereas controls gained weight (-8.0 kg; 95% CI, -9.5 - -6.5 versus +0.9 kg; 95% CI, -0.2 - 1.9, P<.0001), and resulted in improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors: fasting total cholesterol (-13 mg/dl; 95% CI, -19 - -7 versus +1 mg/dl; 95% CI, -7 - 8, P=.01), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-13 mg/dl; 95% CI, -19 - -8 versus -5 mg/dl; 95% CI, -13 - 4, P<.05), glucose (-6 mg/dl; 95% CI, -9 - -3 versus +6 mg/dl; 95% CI, -1 - 14, P<.001), systolic blood pressure (-8.5 mmHg; 95% CI, -11.4 - -5.6 versus +5.5 mmHg; 95% CI, 1.2 - 9.8, P<.0001) and diastolic blood pressure (-8.1 mmHg; 95% CI, -10.7 - -5.6 versus -0.5 mmHg; 95% CI, -3.1 - 2.1, P<.001). There was no significant increase in body weight during the structured maintenance program (0.5 kg; 95% CI -0.9 - 1.9; P=.65). Overweight and obese employees in intervention worksites who did not enroll in the weight loss program also lost weight compared to those in control worksites (-1.3 kg; 95% CI, -2.4 - -0.3 versus +0.7 kg; 95% CI, -0.5 - 1.9, P=.03).

Conclusions [[Unable to Display Character: —]] Worksites have potential to be effective locations for facilitating significant reductions in body weight and cardiometabolic risk factors. Weight loss in employees not enrolled in weight loss programs may be an additional benefit of implementing worksite interventions.