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

Abstract

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.