Effectiveness of a worksite-based weight loss randomized controlled trial: the worksite study

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Worksite obesity is a significant public health concern.
• Effective, scalable interventions are needed to address employee weight management.
• Internet-based and minimally intensive programs offer potential solutions for worksite wellness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of an individually targeted, internet-based intervention with monetary incentives (INCENT) against a less intensive intervention (Livin' My Weigh [LMW]).
• To evaluate weight reduction in overweight and obese employees 6 months after program initiation.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-eight worksites were randomized to either the INCENT or LMW condition.
• Both programs employed evidence-based weight loss strategies.
• INCENT involved daily emails, while LMW used quarterly newsletters and on-site sessions over 12 months.

Main Results:

• 1,790 employees participated across 28 worksites.
• Participants in INCENT lost an average of 2.27 lbs, and in LMW lost 1.30 lbs.
• No statistically significant differences in weight loss or BMI reduction were observed between the INCENT and LMW groups.

Conclusions:

• Both the INCENT program and the minimal intervention alternative appear effective in reducing employee weight.
• These findings suggest that worksite interventions, including those with monetary incentives, can contribute to decreasing the overall obesity burden.