Changes in Intensity of Physical Activity and Diet During a University Incentive-Based Weight Loss Challenge

Abstract

Worksite wellness programs provide a valuable service for employees which helps them control or prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. Successful programs encourage employees to adopt healthy lifestyle habits that lead to improved health, diet, and body composition. PURPOSE: To determine if moderate (MPA), vigorous (VPA), and/or total physical activity (TPA) along with diet monitoring increased during a university incentivized Weight Loss Challenge (WLC). METHODS: Following the WLC, 27 participants completed a survey that evaluated PA participation and aspects about diet prior to and during the WLC. MET/MIN quantified amount of PA (MPA=4 METS, VPA=6 METS). TPA was calculated by adding MPA and VPA. The following variables were created: MET/MIN for MPA, VPA, and TPA prior to and during the WLC. To determine change in diet, participants were asked to indicate the frequency and aspects of their diet they monitored prior to and during the WLC. Additionally, change in pre-post WLC weight was calculated. A series of t-tests were conducted to compare the like intensity variables prior to and during the WLC as well as pre-post WLC weight. Another t-test was conducted to determine if the number of days participants monitored their diet changed prior to and during the WLC. Finally, the aspects of diet that were monitored were reported as frequencies, along with percent change prior to and during the WLC. RESULTS: Although MPA MET/MIN did not increase significantly (ρ=.868), VPA MET/MIN did increase significantly and TPA MET/MIN trended towards increasing significantly (ρ=.011 and ρ=.05, respectively). Additionally, the number of days participants monitored their diet increased significantly (ρ=.001) and the top five components of diet that were monitored substantially more during the WLC included alcohol (175% increase), fat (162.5% increase) calories from fat (100% increase), pop (100% increase), and sugary drinks (100% increase). Weight significantly decreased over the WLC (−7.6±7.2 lbs.). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the trend towards TPA increasing significantly was due to the significant increase in VPA. Additionally, with the number of days participants monitored their diet during the WLC and the specific components of their diet monitored, it can be concluded that both an increase in VPA and change in dietary habits may have provided a successful combination for weight loss during this challenge.