Success of women in a worksite weight loss program attempting to lose weight as part of a group compared to women attempting to lose weight as individuals

Abstract

The success of women in a worksite weight loss program attempting to lose weight as part of a group was compared to the success of women attempting to lose weight as individuals. Female hospital and nursing home employees were enrolled in an 8-week worksite weight loss program as individuals (n=30) or as part of a group (n=42). At the end of the eight weeks, employees (irrespective of group versus individual participation) lost an average of 6.2 pounds and 1.5% body fat. Weight change ranged from a 29.6 lb loss to an 11 lb gain. The absolute weight reduction, weight reduction as percent of initial weight, absolute body fat reduction, reduction of body fat as percent of vi initial body fat, absolute BMI reduction, and BMI reduction as percent of initial BMI were significantly greater (p<0.05) in those participating as part of a group compared to those participating individually. Absolute weight reduction was 7.6 + 1.1 lbs (mean + SD) per person for group participants and 4.2 + 6.4 lbs for individual participants. Weight reduction as percent of initial weight was 4.0 + 3.7% per person for group participants and 1.9 + 3.4% for individual participants. Absolute body fat reduction was 1.7 + 1.3% per person for group participants and 0.9 + 1.3% for individual participants. Body fat reduction as percent of initial body fat was 5.4 + 4.7% per person for group participants and 2.2 + 3.6% for individual participants. Absolute BMI reduction was 1.3 + 1.1 kg/m² per person for group participants and 0.7 + 1.1 kg/m² for individual participants. BMI reduction as percent of initial BMI was 4.3 + 3.7 % per person for group participants and 2.2 + 3.4 % for individual participants. When comparing those participating as a group versus individually, exercising more frequently (p=0.05) was significantly associated with weight loss in those participating as a group and following a diet plan (p=0.04) was significantly associated with weight loss in those participating individually. In conclusion, in a worksite weight loss program, female employees attempting to lose weight as part of a group were more successful than female employees attempting to lose weight individually.