Impact of an education intervention using email for the prevention of weight gain among adult workers

Author(s)

Jaime, Patricia Constante ^{[1, 2]} ; Bandoni, Daniel Henrique ^{[2, 3]} ; Sarno, Flavio ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Publ Hlth, Dept Nutr, BR-01246904 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Ctr Epidemiol Studies Hlth & Nutr, BR-01246904 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Inst Hlth & Soc, Dept Hlth Clin & Inst, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION; v. 17, n. 7, p. 1620-1627, JUL 2014.
• Web of Science Citations: 5

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a worksite intervention to prevent weight gain among adult workers. Design: A controlled community trial was performed by dividing the workers into two groups: intervention group (IG) and control group (CG). The theoretical framework applied was Intervention Mapping Protocol and the intervention was implemented through interactive software for weight self-monitoring. To evaluate the impact of the intervention, the differences in weight, BMI and waist circumference between the IG and CG were assessed before and 6 months after the intervention by regression models. Additionally, the sustainability of the intervention was evaluated at 12 months after the intervention. Settings: Sao Paulo, Brazil. Subjects: Four companies; 281 workers for the analysis of effectiveness and 427 for the analysis of sustainability. Results: The intervention resulted in significant reductions in weight, BMI and waist circumference in the IG compared with the CG. The impact of the intervention on IG individuals' body weight was -0.73 kg, while the weight of CG individuals increased. IG individuals with adequate initial weights did not show significant variations, while those who were overweight demonstrated a significant reduction in body weight. The intervention resulted in a reduction of 0.26 kg/m(2) in BMI and 0.99 cm in waist circumference, and the sustainability analysis after 12 months showed a continued reduction in body weight (-0.72 kg). Conclusions: The behavioural intervention was effective, resulting in weight maintenance among participants with adequate initial weight and in significant reductions among those who were overweight. More research on longer-term weight maintenance is needed. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 07/02540-1 - Impact of an nutritional intervention to prevent weight gain at worksite
• Grantee: Patricia Constante Jaime
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants