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An Obesity Prevention and Treatment Worksite Intervention by a Faculty Directed Student Research Team
Author(s) -
Haley-Zitlin Vivian,
Surapaneni Lahari,
Brodland Dana,
Musarra Alexandra,
Wiles Amber,
Carney Shan,
Challenger Eric
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.626.31
Subject(s) - waist , anthropometry , calorie , obesity , intervention (counseling) , medicine , gerontology , program evaluation , physical therapy , nutrition education , health education , environmental health , family medicine , public health , nursing , public administration , political science , endocrinology
This Service Learning project was undertaken by an undergraduate research team, educated on research principles followed by knowledge application in a community setting. The objective of this project was to create and implement an obesity prevention and treatment intervention in a worksite setting. A program of six nutrition education sessions was delivered. Pre‐ and post‐assessments and surveys were used to identify the program's effect on participants’ food choices and anthropometric measurements. Waist circumference, height, weight, BMI, and body composition measurements (InBody 520) were assessed. The education topics included: calories, fats and oils, carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, water & minerals. Weekly goals, based upon the weekly lessons, were encouraged. Sixty‐three individuals (30 male/33 females), 76% ages 30–59, began the program. Males had the greatest average weight loss, 11.5 lbs. compared to women, 3.7 lbs. and had a greater improvement in percentage of individuals of normal BMI, post assessment. No significant average improvement in percent body fat was exhibited by males or females. Improvements were made in food choice selections by both genders. Results suggest a positive impact of an on‐site worksite intervention and provide insight into means by which future improvements may be made.