Abstract
Introduction: To date, there is paucity of evidence describing the long-term effects of health promotion programs in the workplace. In the current study, we present weight changes over 2 years of follow-up after participation in a 12-month lifestyle improvement program (My Unlimited Potential, [MyUP]) among high metabolic risk employees of Baptist Heath South Florida.
Methods: The MyUP program is a 1 year lifestyle improvement program with an initial intensive phase of 12 weeks, and subsequent monthly checks up to 12 months from commencement of the program. To assess weight changes beyond one year, data from participants who began the program in 2011 and 2012 and subsequently participated in a voluntary health risk assessment (HRA) in 2013 and 2014 was analyzed. We excluded follow-up data less than 18 months or more than 3 years, as well as participants who did not complete the 12-week intensive phase. Baseline weight was measured at the beginning of the MyUP in each participant and follow-up weight was obtained via the HRA.
Results: There were 138 participants with follow-up data, with a median follow-up of 25 months (range 22-27months). At baseline, the mean weight was 212.4 ± 45.1 lbs. At follow-up, mean weight change (in lbs) from baseline was -1.9 (95%CI: -4.1, 0.4). By contrast, there was a mean weight reduction from baseline to 1 yr prior to the end of follow-up was 9.8 lbs, with an average weight increase of 8 lbs in the 12 month period prior to the end of follow-up. At the end of follow-up, 18% achieved ≥ 5% weight loss from baseline, compared to 46% a year preceding the follow-up date. Completing the 12 month period of program was not associated with achieving ≥5% weight loss at 2 years.
Conclusion: An intensive workplace lifestyle program remains effective at maintaining significant weight loss in a nearly 20% individuals even after 2 years. More studies are needed to understand factors that determine how to achieve and maintain long term gains achieved in lifestyle intervention wellness programs.
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