Four worksite weight loss programs with high-stress occupations using a meal replacement product

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Weight Management Strategies
• Public Health Interventions

Background:

• High-stress occupations often contribute to health issues, including overweight and obesity.
• Effective weight management interventions are needed for populations in demanding work environments.
• Previous studies have not extensively evaluated worksite programs in high-stress settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of a worksite weight reduction program utilizing meal replacements.
• To compare the effectiveness of this program in various high-stress occupations.
• To determine the long-term weight loss retention in program participants.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week longitudinal study involving 492 healthy, overweight adults in high-stress jobs.
• Participants consumed two daily meal replacements and one self-selected meal.
• Data collected included weight, body mass index (BMI), and completion rates.

Main Results:

• A 79.8% completion rate was observed over 12 weeks.
• Mean weight and BMI reductions exceeded those reported in clinical trials with non-worksite adults.
• Firefighters showed the greatest weight loss, while medical professionals showed the least. Men lost significantly more weight than women.

Conclusions:

• Worksite weight reduction programs using meal replacements can be productively implemented in high-stress environments.
• The program demonstrated significant efficacy and considerable weight loss retention.
• Occupational setting influences weight loss outcomes, with potential for tailored interventions.