Lowering triglyceride values in an occupational setting

Within a multiphasic screening program it was possible to establish an effective industrial counseling program for individuals identified as potential cardiovascular risks by their serum triglyceride values. A significant reduction of serum triglyceride values was obtained even where minimal supervision was used to modify aspects of an employee's life style. A counseled group of 109 male employees, 40 years and older, with serum triglyceride levels of 200 mg. or higher per 100 ml., was matched by location and age with a control group of 135 noncounseled individuals with similarly elevated triglyceride levels. Individuals in both groups showing significant percentage reduction were those whose serum levels began above 250 mg. per 100 ml. The employees who lowered their triglyceride values most significantly were those that had dieted and were periodically counseled and checked by a physician.