Workplace Intervention to Reduce Weight and Improve Health in Healthcare Workers
Author Information
Author(s): Christensen Jeanette R, Faber Anne, Ekner Dorte, Overgaard Kristian, Holtermann Andreas, Søgaard Karen
Primary Institution: Department of Sport Science, Aarhus University
Hypothesis
Can a combined intervention of diet, physical exercise, and cognitive behavioral training effectively reduce body weight and improve physical capacity among healthcare workers?
Conclusion
The intervention led to significant reductions in body weight, body fat, waist circumference, and blood pressure, along with increased aerobic fitness among healthcare workers.
Supporting Evidence
- The intervention group lost an average of 3.6 kg over three months.
- BMI decreased from 30.5 to 29.2 in the intervention group.
- Body fat percentage dropped from 40.9% to 39.3%.
- Waist circumference reduced from 99.7 cm to 95.5 cm.
- Systolic blood pressure decreased from 134/85 mmHg to 127/80 mmHg.
- Participants increased their aerobic fitness from 25.9 to 28.0 ml/min/kg.
- Only seven participants dropped out during the intervention.
- The intervention was integrated into work hours to enhance participation.
Takeaway
This study shows that healthcare workers can lose weight and get healthier by combining diet, exercise, and mental training at work.
Methodology
The study involved 98 overweight female healthcare workers who were randomly assigned to an intervention or reference group, with the intervention including dietary plans, exercise, and cognitive training over three months.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the lack of quantitative registration of physical training doses in leisure time.
Limitations
The study only included female participants, and the long-term effects of the intervention were not assessed.
Participant Demographics
All participants were female healthcare workers aged 18-40 years, with a BMI > 25 or body fat percentage > 33.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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