Promoting weight loss and blood pressure control at work: impact of an education and intervention program.

Abstract

To assess the impact of tailored intervention on body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) among hypertensive employees participating in an employer-based BP screening program. The quasi-experimental design involved screening subjects (n = 15,583) within the Merrill Lynch organization. A control group had BP and weight measurements plus education whereas experimental sites additionally received a pedometer, to measure physical activity, body fat measurement, and education encouraging physical activity. Change in BMI and BP were compared after 1 year. The experimental group (n = 47) demonstrated statistically significant improvements in BMI (P < 0.01) and systolic BP (P = 0.04) versus control group (n = 94). Furthermore, 38.3% of the experimental group reported undertaking vigorous physical activity (>or=3x/wk) at 1-year; a 100% increase compared with baseline. A targeted worksite intervention program may be an effective way to lower BP and promote exercise and weight loss.