Factors Associated With Long-Term Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance

OBJECTIVE: To examine factors associated with long-term weight loss and maintenance for participants of a comprehensive workplace wellness program. METHODS: Data came from Health Risk Assessments completed by 89,746 overweight and obese persons between 2005 and 2010 to examine the association between demographics, improved nutrition, improved exercise and reduced stress and odds of weight loss and weight maintenance, as well as changes in bodyweight at 1 year follow-up. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate coefficients of interest while controlling for confounds. RESULTS: Factors significantly associated with increased odds and amount of weight loss were male gender, older age, reduced psychosocial stress, improved nutrition, and increased exercise when combined with improved nutrition. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive workplace wellness programs that address weight management through an integrated stress management approach can be effective in addressing the obesity epidemic.