Factors related to weight loss behavior in a multiracial/ethnic workforce

We examined whether factors associated with attempting to lose weight in a hospital-based employee workforce varied by race/ethnicity.

We conducted a cross-sectional survey in 6 hospitals in a health system in central Massachusetts. The stratified random sample included 813 employees; men and and non-White employees were oversampled. The primary outcome measure was current evidence-based weight loss attempts.

Factors positively associated with attempting to lose weight among non-Hispanic Blacks included self-perceived overweight, female sex, higher education, physician recommendation to lose weight, and having a chronic medical condition. Among Hispanics, body mass index and self-perceived overweight were associated with attempts to lose weight, while working full time and second or third shift were associated with lower likelihood of weight loss attempts. Among non-Hispanic Whites, self-perceived overweight, female sex, higher education, and physician recommendation to lose weight were positively associated with attempting to lose weight, while working full time and working third shift were negatively associated.

Rates of overweight and obesity were high among hospital employees. Findings suggest that factors associated with attempting to lose weight vary across racial and ethnic groups. Workplace-based interventions for weight control should include strategies tailored to these differences.