Abstract
BackgroundThe prevalence of overweight and obesity is high amongst healthcare professionals and there is growing interest in delivering weight loss interventions in the workplace. We conducted a systematic review to (i) examine the effectiveness of workplace-based diet and/or physical activity interventions aimed at healthcare professionals and to (ii) identify and describe key components of effective interventions. Seven electronic databases were systematically searched.ResultsThirteen randomised controlled trials met the inclusion criteria, of which seven had data available for meta-analysis. Where meta-analysis was possible, studies were grouped according to length of follow-up (<12 months and ≥12 months) and behavioural target (diet only, physical activity only or diet and physical activity), with outcome data pooled using a weighted random effects model. Nine studies reported statistically significant (between-group) differences. Four studies reported being informed by a behaviour change theory. Meta-analysis of all trials reporting weight data demonstrated healthcare professionals allocated to dietary and physical activity interventions lost significantly more body weight (−3.95 Kg, [95% CI −4.96 to- 2.95 Kg]) than controls up to 12 months follow up.ConclusionsWorkplace diet and/or physical activity interventions targeting healthcare professionals are limited in number and are heterogeneous. To improve the evidence base, we recommend additional evaluations of theory-based interventions and adequate reporting of intervention content.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40608-014-0023-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
The prevalence of overweight and obesity is high amongst healthcare professionals and there is growing interest in delivering weight loss interventions in the workplace
The results of the meta-analysis showed that workplace interventions which targeted both diet and physical activity resulted in the largest observed differences in weight reduction (2 studies – 1 Strong quality, 1 Moderate quality; −3.95 Kg, [95% CI – 4.96 to – 2.95] in 237 healthcare professionals up to 12 months of follow-up)
This review extends the evidence from a recent meta-analysis of interventions conducted across heterogeneous workplaces [59] and one recent systematic review [21] of non-randomised controlled trial (RCT) of workplacebased interventions for the nursing workforce
Summary
The prevalence of overweight and obesity is high amongst healthcare professionals and there is growing interest in delivering weight loss interventions in the workplace. The impact of overweight and obesity in healthcare professionals is significant and wide ranging negatively affecting the individual’s own health and outcomes, a systematic review by Zhu et al [18] suggested that overweight healthcare professionals are less confident delivering weight management advice to patients, perceive more barriers to weight management for their patients, and have fewer positive expectations for patient health outcomes than their healthy weight colleagues. Considering the high prevalence of overweight and obesity in healthcare professionals and the associated direct and indirect costs, there is a need for effective weight management interventions in this population group. The workplace allows healthcare providers to demonstrate exemplary practice in supporting the health of their employees while setting a good example for the patients under their care
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