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Updated: May 18, 2026

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
Efficacy of a "small-changes" workplace weight loss initiative on weight and productivity outcomes
Caryn Zinn1, Grant M Schofield, Will G Hopkins
1Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand. caryn.zinn@aut.ac.nz
Objective:
The effect of weight reduction on workplace productivity is unknown. We have investigated a "small-changes" workplace weight loss intervention on weight and productivity outcomes.
Methods:
Overweight/obese employees at two New Zealand worksites (n = 102) received the 12-week intervention. One site received an extra 9-month weight-maintenance component. Magnitudes of effects on weight and productivity were assessed via standardization.
Results:
Both groups reduced weight at 12 weeks and maintained lost weight at 12 months. There were small possible improvements in productivity at one worksite and trivial reductions at the other by 12 weeks, with little subsequent change during maintenance in either group. At an individual level, weight change was associated with at most only small improvements or small reductions in productivity.
Conclusion:
Workplace weight loss initiatives may need to be more intensive or multidimensional to enhance productivity.
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