Evaluation of a lifestyle change worksite weight management program across multiple employers and sites

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess weight loss outcomes among participants (N ¼ 1090) of a weight management program across multiple worksites (N ¼ 10) in a retrospective analysis. Methods: Weekly classes focused on diet, exercise, and behavior change. One employer provided incentives for weight loss and two incentivized weight loss and class attendance. Results: Mean weight loss (N ¼ 1090; 79.3% female) was 2.9% (SD ¼ 3.0%). Average number of classes attended was 6.87/10 (SD ¼ 2.9) and was significantly correlated with percent weight change (r ¼ 0.46; P < 0.001). Participants incentivized for attendance attended significantly more classes (M ¼ 7.5, SD ¼ 2.8) than did those not so incentivized (M ¼ 6.4, SD ¼ 2.9, P < 0.001), but did not lose more weight (P ¼ 0.24). Participants incentivized for weight loss did not lose significantly more weight than those not so incentivized (P ¼ 0.26). Conclusions: These data support the effectiveness of this worksite program. Utilizing incentives to promote class attendance may be beneficial for increasing engagement in similar programs.