Effectiveness of a Workplace Health Promotion Program in Reducing Obesity

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a workplace health promotion program targeting obesity. METHODS: Weight loss, body mass index (BMI), and abdominal circumference were measured before and after the program during medical check-ups at a single workplace.Thirty-six employees (BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 ) received 6 months of free telemedicine endocrinology consultations. This metrics were compared with 164 workers (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 ) using the Student t test and odds ratio. RESULTS: Participants lost more weight (1.98 kg on average vs 0.11 kg), OR: 1.5 (0.72-3.12), BMI (0.84 kg/m 2 vs 0.03 kg/m 2 ), OR: 2.16 (0.99-4.68), and abdominal circumference (1.06 cm vs 0.55 cm), OR: 1.07 (0.51-2.25) than nonparticipants. CONCLUSIONS: The program was slightly more effective than standard verbal and written medical advice given during check-ups. Studies with bigger sample sizes are needed to support these findings.