A lifestyle-based weight management program delivered to employees: examination of health and economic outcomes.

Abstract

To examine the health and economic outcomes associated with a comprehensive weight management program delivered to employees. Data collected on 516 individuals participating in a lifestyle-based weight management program delivered to employees from three corporations were analyzed at baseline and intervention-end (26 or 52 weeks). One-year post-intervention data for two subgroups were examined for pharmaceutical use (n = 61) and health outcomes (n = 46). Average body weight decreased 5.4% (P < 0.001) and average waist circumference decreased 7.2% (P < 0.001). Average blood pressure, Beck Depression Inventory scores, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale scores improved (P < 0.001). At 1-year post-intervention, weight loss was maintained in a subgroup of 46 individuals. The average number of prescription drugs taken per participant decreased 44% in a subgroup of 61 individuals. An employer-sponsored, comprehensive weight management program may decrease weight, improve obesity-related outcomes, improve depressive symptoms, and decrease costs.