A Step Toward Workplace Obesity Prevention: Evaluation of Weight Management Program for Hospital-based Health Care Providers

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a global problem. Healthy workplace and personal lifestyle behavior are crucial for obesity prevention. A workplace weight management program could create a culture of health and facilitate weight control among health care providers. The study aims to describe and evaluate the health outcomes of the interaction of professional work and organizational infrastructure. Method: The hospital-based weight management program was an 8-week pilot randomized controlled trial for obese health care providers. The primary outcomes were body weight and body mass index. The secondary outcomes were serum fasting glucose, fasting cholesterol, triglyceride, highdensity and low-density lipoprotein, body fat percentage, and body mass. The RE-AIM framework was used to examine the intervention’s Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance at individual and organizational level. Results: The program was successful in reaching the target population. Health care providers demonstrated shortterm weight loss and decrease in serum fasting cholesterol level after completing the program. The excellent retention rate (89%) of the study suggested that the participants were well engaged in self-weight management. The program was implemented with adequate resource and support from the health organization. The organization may consider to continue the program in view of the long term benefits of the health care providers Conclusion: Supportive organizational structure and culture not only enhance professional practice but also improve the health outcomes of the participants in hospital-based weight management program