Stages of weight change among an occupational cohort

To assess the readiness to change dietary intake and body weight among production workers. We also ascertained differences between self-perceived and measured body mass index.

This cross-sectional study queried physical activity, psychosocial factors, fruit and vegetable intake, and readiness to change based on the transtheoretical model.

Sixty-three (28%) workers were overweight, and 114 (50%) were obese. Obese workers were in the following stages of weight change: precontemplation (4%), contemplation (45%), preparation (13%), action (21%), and (17%) maintenance. Ten percent of overweight workers erroneously reported their body mass index to be normal.

About half of overweight/obese workers were in the precontemplation or contemplation stages for healthy dietary changes or weight loss. Recognizing the stages of change with regard to weight and the self-perception of weight status may help tailor workplace health promotion programs.