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Evaluation of a Digital Behavioral Counseling Program for Reducing Risk Factors for Chronic Disease in a Workforce
Mark G Wilson1, Cynthia M Castro Sweet, Michael D Edge
1College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (Mr Wilson); Medical Affairs, Omada Health Inc. (Dr Castro Sweet); University of California Davis, Davis (Dr Edge); University of California Berkeley School of Public Health, Berkeley(Ms Madero); Mercer Health and Benefits, LLC (Ms McGuire); Iron Mountain, Inc. (Ms Pilsmaker, Mr Kirschner), Boston, Massachusetts; Omada Health, Inc. (Mr Carpenter), San Francisco, California.
Objective:
To evaluate a digitally delivered, intensive behavioral counseling program for a workforce at risk for obesity-related chronic disease.
Methods:
Employees were offered a digital health program modeled after the diabetes prevention program (DPP). Annual workforce health assessments were used to examine changes in chronic disease risk factors between participants (n = 634) relative to a matched comparison group (n = 1268).
Results:
Overall, employees were gaining an average of 3.5 pounds annually before program inception. Program engagement was positive; 83% completed the majority of the curriculum and 31% lost at least 5% of their starting weight. Compared with non-participating peers, participants demonstrated reduced weight, improved fasting blood glucose, and improved nutritional intake after a year.
Conclusions:
The digital health program was effective for engaging employees in health behavior change. Digital options facilitate widespread implementation.
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