Evaluation of a Voluntary Work Site Weight Loss Program on Hypertension

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a worksite weight loss program hypertension.

Participants [N = 5998; body mass index (BMI) 34 ± 7 m/kg, 33% hypertensive] participating in a 10-week weight loss program were examined for hypertension prevalence within categories of (1) weight gain, or loss (2) less than 3%, (3) 3% to 5%, (4) 5% to 10%, and (5) more than 10% using general linear models or Chi-square analyses.

We observed a significant dose-response trend for the reduced prevalence of hypertension at follow-up (P-for-trend < 0.001). Baseline versus follow-up comparisons showed those gaining weight (28% vs 25%, adjres. = 2.5) or losing less than 3% (31% vs 25% adjres. = 2.9) were significantly more likely to present with hypertension at follow-up. Those losing 5% to 10% (33% vs 19%, adjres. = -3.2) or more than 10% (39% vs 17%, adjres. = -3.2) were significantly more likely to present without hypertension.

Weight loss more than 5% significantly reduced workplace hypertension, while gaining weight increased its likelihood.