Weight-inclusive, intuitive eating-based workplace wellness program associated with improvements in intuitive eating, eating disorder symptoms, internalized weight stigma, and diet quality

Abstract

Introduction

The use of weight-inclusive programming within a workplace wellness context remains understudied.

Methods

The present study is a pilot/feasibility study of a 3-month, virtual, weight-inclusive, intuitive eating-based workplace wellness program. Program participants (n = 114), who were all employees at a large public university in the Midwest, received weekly emails with a link to an instructional video related to intuitive eating and were encouraged to meet virtually with their health coach. Participants provided self-report data on behavioral and psychological outcomes including intuitive eating, internalized weight stigma, eating disorder symptoms, and diet quality at baseline, post-intervention (3 months from baseline), and follow-up (6 months from baseline). Changes in behavioral and psychological outcomes from baseline to post-intervention and follow-up were examined using paired t-tests, with Cohen's d effect sizes reported. Generalized linear models were used to examine whether participant characteristics and program engagement were associated with program outcomes.

Results

Increases in intuitive eating and decreases in internalized weight stigma and eating disorder symptoms were seen from baseline to post-intervention (Cohen's d = 1.02, −0.47, and −0.63, respectively) and follow-up (Cohen's d = 0.86, −0.31, and −0.60). No changes in dietary quality were seen at post-intervention, but a significant reduction in intake of added sugars, fast food, and sugar sweetened beverages were observed at follow-up (Cohen's d = −0.35, −0.23, −0.25).

Conclusions

This study provide preliminary support for the acceptability and potential impact of a weight-inclusive workplace wellness program that should be tested in a rigorous randomized trial.