A multifactorial weight control program in a corporate setting

Behavior modification, nutrition education, and exercise were the chief characteristics of an 8-week weight management program implemented in a corporate setting. Emphasis was placed on participants identifying needs and making their own behavior changes. Results indicated that this was a favorable approach. Male participants averaged a weight decrease of 12.4 lb (5.5 kg) and a decrease of 1.4% total body fat per person over an 8-week period. Female participants averaged a weight loss of 4.1 lb (1.9 kg) and a 3.9% decrease in total body fat per person. A survey completed by participants at the end of the 8-week period showed that they found behavior modification, nutrition education, and exercise all to be beneficial components of the weight management program and believed that the self-directed changes would be easy to continue. Regular aerobic exercise, recording food intake, and counting calories were rated by the participants as the three behavior practices most frequently used to aid in weight loss.