Promising Practices for Healthy Weight at Worksites
Author Information
Author(s): Williams-Piehota Pamela, Hersey James, Alexander Jennifer, Bandel Isenberg Karen, Rooks Adrienne, Sparling Phillip, Hill Mary, Dunet Diane
Primary Institution: RTI International
Hypothesis
What are the promising practices for promoting healthy weight among employees at small and medium-sized worksites?
Conclusion
The evaluation method identified promising practices implemented at small and medium-sized worksites to promote healthy weight and related favorable health outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- Worksite health promotion programs can lead to positive changes in health behaviors and outcomes.
- Financial incentives were found to increase participation rates in wellness programs.
- Peer coaching and motivational interviewing were effective strategies for promoting healthy weight.
Takeaway
This study looked at ways to help employees at small and medium-sized companies stay healthy and lose weight, finding some good ideas that work.
Methodology
A structured rating and selection process was used to select 9 worksites, followed by site visits that included interviews and observations to assess health promotion practices.
Potential Biases
Self-selection bias may occur as employees who participate in health programs may be more motivated than nonparticipants.
Limitations
The study did not establish firm conclusions about the effectiveness of specific practices and relied on self-reported data, which may be biased.
Participant Demographics
Worksites included a variety of industries with employee sizes ranging from approximately 100 to 3,000.
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