Weight control in the workplace: a needs assessment for men.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Worksite wellness programs are increasingly recognized for their potential to address public health issues like obesity.
• Assessing employee needs is crucial for designing effective and engaging health interventions.
• Overweight and obesity prevalence necessitates targeted strategies within diverse work environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the specific needs and interests of overweight male employees regarding worksite weight control programs.
• To compare the interest levels and preferences between male and female employees for such initiatives.
• To inform the development of tailored and effective worksite weight management interventions.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to employees of two high-tech companies.
• Data collected included Body Mass Index (BMI), interest in worksite programs, and preferred intervention formats.
• Response rates were 373 men and 238 women.

Main Results:

• 56% of all respondents expressed interest in a worksite program.
• 44% of men had a BMI ≥ 25, with 75% of them interested in participating.
• Women showed higher interest (92% of overweight, 68% of non-overweight) and preferred self-help formats, including food habit evaluation and behavior modification techniques.

Conclusions:

• Worksite weight control programs are of significant interest to overweight male employees in high-tech settings.
• A self-help, educational approach focusing on practical strategies is likely to be most effective.
• Intervention design should consider gender-specific interests and preferences for optimal engagement and outcomes.