The effects of a worksite chronic disease prevention program

Abstract

Objective: This study determined the behavioral and clinical impact of a worksite chronic disease prevention program.

Methods: Working adults participated in randomized clinical trial of an intensive lifestyle intervention. Nutrition and physical activity behavior and several chronic disease risk factors were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 6 months.

Results: Cognitive understanding of the requirements for a healthy lifestyle increased at the end of the program. Program participants significantly improved their cognitive understanding of good nutrition and physical activity and had significantly better nutrition and physical activity behavior at both 6 weeks and 6 months. Participants had significantly lower body fat, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

Conclusions: This worksite chronic disease prevention program can significantly increase health knowledge, can improve nutrition and physical activity, and can improve many employee health risks in the short term.