Uptake and Use of an Internet Physical Activity and Weight Management Program in Work Sites
Author Information
Author(s): Gunther Eysenbach, Caroline Ware, Robert Hurling, Ogi Bataveljic, Bruce W Fairley, Tina L Hurst, Peter Murray, Kirsten L Rennie, Chris E Tomkins, Anne Finn, Mark R Cobain, Dympna A Pearson, John P Foreyt
Primary Institution: MiLife Coaching Ltd
Hypothesis
Does engagement with a Web-based physical activity and weight management program relate to employees’ baseline characteristics or measured outcomes?
Conclusion
The Web-based program showed high engagement levels and resulted in weight loss among employees at both office and manufacturing sites.
Supporting Evidence
- 12% of employees at the four sites agreed to participate in the program.
- 78% of participants were still using the program at the end of 12 weeks.
- Participants who uploaded weight data lost an average of 2.6 kg.
Takeaway
This study found that a website helping people exercise and manage their weight was popular among workers, and many lost weight while using it.
Methodology
Longitudinal observational study with employees using a Web-based program and monitoring devices over 12 weeks.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-selection of participants and lack of randomization.
Limitations
The study lacked a control group and was conducted in a naturalistic setting without financial incentives for participation.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 130 men (49%) and 135 women (51%), with a mean age of 40.9 years and a mean BMI of 27.1 kg/m2.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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