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Clinical Trial
. 2011 Mar;53(3):245-52.
doi: 10.1097/JOM.0b013e31820c9023.

Combining environmental and individual weight management interventions in a work setting: results from the Dow chemical study

David M DeJoy  1 , Kristin M Parker, Heather M Padilla, Mark G Wilson, Enid C Roemer, Ron Z Goetzel
Affiliations
Clinical Trial

Combining environmental and individual weight management interventions in a work setting: results from the Dow chemical study

David M DeJoy et al. J Occup Environ Med. 2011 Mar.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the comparative effectiveness of environmental weight loss interventions alone versus in combination with an individual intervention.

Methods: A quasi-experimental design compared outcomes for two levels of environmental interventions and for participants who did or did not simultaneously self-select into an individually focused weight loss intervention (YW8). Analysis of covariance and logistic regression techniques were used to examine risk outcomes.

Results: Employees who participated in YW8 were no more successful at losing weight than those exposed to only the environmental interventions. Approximately, 13.5% of each group lost at least 5% of their body weight; overall changes in mean body weight and body mass index were negligible in both groups.

Conclusions: Simple worksite environmental modifications may help with weight maintenance, but are not likely to result in substantial weight reductions even when combined with low-intensity individual interventions.

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References

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