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

Abstract

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. Weekly classes focused on diet, exercise, and behavior change. One employer provided incentives for weight loss and two incentivized weight loss and class attendance. 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). These data support the effectiveness of this worksite program. Utilizing incentives to promote class attendance may be beneficial for increasing engagement in similar programs.