Programs | Obesity Interventions

Health-related programs obesity prevention and control1-3

Use employee health surveys in the workplace

  • Employee health surveys should be combined with individualized assessment, counseling and follow up for health behavior change.  Options include individual-adapted behavior change programs and professional guidance and support for initiation of obesity prevention and control programs

Use multifaceted employee education and participation programs

  • Interventions that combine physical activity and nutrition are effective in helping employees lose weight and keep it off in the short term. These interventions use combinations of activities and support, such as nutrition education classes, aerobic and strength training, training in goal setting and lifestyle skills, self-help materials or specific dietary plans, and group exercise sessions.  Research has found that these combinations resulted in an average weight loss of at least four pounds at 6 months or more after beginning the program
  • The health-related program strategies and interventions listed for physical activity and nutrition include lifestyle activities recommended to maintain a healthy weight

 

References

1.  The Task Force on Community Preventive Services. The Guide to Community Preventive Services: What Works to Promote Health New York; Oxford University Press, 2005.

2.  Screening and interventions to prevent obesity in adults, Topic Page. December 2003. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Agency for Health care Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. Available from: https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Document/RecommendationStatementFinal/obesity-in-adults-screening-and-counseling-2003external icon.

3.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Public health strategies for preventing and controlling overweight and obesity in school and worksite settings. A report on recommendations of the Task Force on Community Preventive Services. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2005;54(RR10):1-12