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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2014 Jul;56(7):779-84.
doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000180.

The association between worksite physical environment and employee nutrition, and physical activity behavior and weight status

Fabio A Almeida  1 , Sarah S Wall, Wen You, Samantha M Harden, Jennie L Hill, Blake E Krippendorf, Paul A Estabrooks
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

The association between worksite physical environment and employee nutrition, and physical activity behavior and weight status

Fabio A Almeida et al. J Occup Environ Med. 2014 Jul.

Abstract

Objective: To explore the relationship between worksite physical environment and employee dietary intake, physical activity behavior, and weight status.

Methods: Two trained research assistants completed audits (Checklist of Health Promotion Environments at Worksites) at each worksite (n = 28). Employees (n = 6261) completed a brief health survey before participation in a weight loss program.

Results: Employees' access to outdoor areas was directly associated with lower body mass index (BMI), whereas access to workout facilities within a worksite was associated with higher BMI. The presence of a cafeteria and fewer vending machines was directly associated with better eating habits. Better eating habits and meeting physical activity recommendations were both related to lower BMI.

Conclusions: Selected environmental factors in worksites were significantly associated with employee behaviors and weight status, providing additional intervention targets to change the worksite environment and promote employee weight loss.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None to declare.

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