Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
First-year results of an obesity prevention program at The Dow Chemical Company
Ron Z Goetzel1, Kristin M Baker, Meghan E Short
1Institute for Health and Productivity Studies, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA. ron.goetzel@thomsonreuters.com
Objective:
To examine first-year results from a workplace environmental obesity prevention program at The Dow Chemical Company.
Methods:
A quasi-experimental cohort study was conducted among employees at nine treatment worksites (n = 8013) who received environmental weight management interventions and three control worksites (n = 2269). Changes in employees' weight, body mass index (BMI), and other health risks were examined using chi2 and t-tests.
Results:
After 1 year, a modest treatment effect was observed for weight and BMI largely because the control group subjects gained weight; however, no effect was observed for overweight and obesity prevalence. Other risk factors (tobacco use, high blood pressure, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure values) decreased significantly, although blood glucose (high risk prevalence and values) increased.
Conclusions:
Environmental changes to the workplace can achieve modest improvements in employees' health risks, including weight and BMI measures, in 1 year.
Related Concept Videos
Obesity
Drug Dosing: Obese Patients
Cancer Prevention
Some...
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Absorption and Distribution
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Metabolism and Excretion
