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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Boston, Massachusetts » Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #348110
Research Project: Energy Regulation and Obesity

Location: Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging

Title: Effectiveness of workplace weight management interventions: a systematic review

Author
item KUMARI, YASOMA - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University
item ROBERTS, SUSAN - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University
item KAHN, MIRA - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University
item LAVERTU, AMY - Tufts University
item DAS, SAI KRUPA - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University

Submitted to: Current Obesity Reports
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/1/2016
Publication Date: 3/29/2016
Citation: Kumari, Y.P., Roberts, S., Kahn, M.A., LaVertu, A.E., Das, S. 2016. Effectiveness of workplace weight management interventions: a systematic review. Current Obesity Reports. 5:298-306. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-016-0205-z.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Background: A systematic review was conducted of randomized trials of workplace weight management interventions, including trials with dietary, physical activity, environmental, behavioral and incentive based components. Main outcomes were defined as change in weight-related measures. Methods: Key words related to weight management and workplace interventions were used to search relevant databases, and 23 eligible studies were reviewed in detail using a data extraction form and quality assessment checklist. Results: The trials were conducted in mainly the USA and Europe, with 4 additional countries represented. Interventions were mostly multi-component, and were implemented in both sexes and in a range of employment categories. Intervention effectiveness appeared unrelated to region of the world, and was highest in 6-12 month trials. The results ranged widely, from clinically significant 8.8 kg weight loss in one trial to less effective than the control treatment in others. Conclusion: Some workplace interventions achieve clinically significant benefits, and further studies are needed to replicate those results in wider sociocultural and geographical contexts.