A worksite obesity intervention: results from a group-randomized trial

We used a participatory process to develop an obesity intervention appropriate for elementary school personnel.

A randomized controlled trial included 16 school worksites (8 intervention, 8 control). Intervention schools formed committees to develop and implement health promotion activities for employees. Anthropometric and self-report data were collected at baseline and postintervention (2 years later). The primary outcome measures were body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio, physical activity, and fruit and vegetable consumption.

After adjustment for age, ethnicity, and job classification, employees in intervention schools reduced their BMI by an average of 0.04 kg/m2, and those in control schools increased their BMI by an average of 0.37 kg/m2. Comparisons for waist-hip ratio, weekly physical activity minutes, and fruit and vegetable consumption were not significant.

The participatory process appeared to be an effective means for stimulating change. The intervention may have slowed and perhaps reversed the tendency of adults to gain weight progressively with age.