Evaluation of a Lifestyle Change Worksite Weight Management Program Across Multiple Employers and Sites.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to assess weight loss outcomes among participants (N = 1090) of a weight management program across multiple worksites (N = 10) in a retrospective analysis.

METHODS

Weekly classes focused on diet, exercise, and behavior change. One employer provided incentives for weight loss and two incentivized weight loss and class attendance.

RESULTS

Mean weight loss (N = 1090; 79.3% female) was -2.9% (SD = 3.0%). Average number of classes attended was 6.87/10 (SD = 2.9) and was significantly correlated with percent weight change (r = -0.46; P < 0.001). Participants incentivized for attendance attended significantly more classes (M = 7.5, SD = 2.8) than did those not so incentivized (M = 6.4, SD = 2.9, P < 0.001), but did not lose more weight (P = 0.24). Participants incentivized for weight loss did not lose significantly more weight than those not so incentivized (P = 0.26).

CONCLUSIONS

These data support the effectiveness of this worksite program. Utilizing incentives to promote class attendance may be beneficial for increasing engagement in similar programs.