A Worksite Weight Loss Program: An Innovative Way to Improve Obesity.

BACKGROUND

Obesity rates have continued to increase throughout the United States. Traditional healthcare settings have been unsuccessful at slowing down the epidemic. Finding innovative ways to improve obesity is critical.

OBJECTIVE

This article discusses a worksite weight loss program that utilized a group visit format to help participants lose weight, decrease waist circumferences, increase physical activity levels, and empower patients for change.

METHODS

A total of 18 participants completed the 6-week comprehensive weight loss program, which provided education and support on nutrition, physical activity, meal-planning, stress reduction, and goal setting.

RESULTS

Participants in the worksite weight loss program showed improvements in several measured variables, including 100% of the participants achieving weight loss. In addition, 89% of the participants had a decrease in waist circumference, 53% improved their activity level, and 61% improved their level of readiness to change.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

Non-traditional settings, like worksites, as well as group-visit formats, can be successful in improving obesity rates in communities.