Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the feasibility and benefits of providing weight management support via the workplace. Design/methodology/approach – Quasi-experimental design using non-random assignment to a 12-week Slimming World (SW) weight management programme, either within the workplace or at a regular community group. Weight was recorded weekly and a 39-item questionnaire focused on mental and emotional health, self-esteem, dietary habits and physical activity habits administered at baseline, 12 weeks, six and 12 months. Findings – In total, 243 participants enroled (workplace n=129, community n=114) with 138 completers (defined as those weighing-in at baseline and attending at least once within the last four weeks; workplace n=76, community n=62). Completers reported a mean weight change of −4.9 kg±3.4 or −5.7 per cent±3.8. Mental and emotional health scores increased (p < 0.05) from baseline to 12 weeks. Self-worth scores increased (p < 0.05) from baseline to 12 weeks, six and 12 months. Healthy dietary habit scores increased and unhealthy dietary habit scores decreased (p < 0.05) from baseline to 12 weeks, six and 12 months. Healthy physical activity habit scores improved (p < 0.05) from baseline to 12 weeks and six months. There were no significant differences between groups. Research limitations/implications – Participant demographic was predominantly female (94 per cent) aged 42.3 years, with only 13 men participating. Practical implications – The results support the use of a 12-week SW weight management programme as a credible option for employers wanting to support staff to achieve weight loss and improve psycho-social health outcomes which could lead to improvements in quality of life and work performance. Originality/value – Provides evidence for the delivery of weight management support via the workplace.
Highlights
In England, 42 per cent of men and 36 per cent of women are overweight, while 26 per cent of men and women over 16 are classed as obese (Health and Social Care Information Centre, 2012)
The current study attempted to integrate a commercially available weight management programme into the workplace for employees to attend by choice
This approach was as an innovation over other methods which have been primarily considered in previous systematic reviews in this area (Mhurchu et al, 2010; Maes et al, 2012; Geaney et al, 2013) and to the author’s knowledge is the first such study in the UK to include a workplace Slimming World (SW) weight management group
Summary
In England, 42 per cent of men and 36 per cent of women are overweight, while 26 per cent of men and women over 16 are classed as obese (Health and Social Care Information Centre, 2012). Overweight and obesity are associated with increased risks of a number of health conditions, including coronary heart disease, diabetes, joint problems and high-blood pressure (Wang et al, 2011). The estimated total cost to the economy due to loss of earnings and cost of care related to obesity amounted to £16bn in 2007. This has the potential to rise to £50bn by 2050 if obesity continues to increase at its current rate (Foresight, 2007)
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