Lifestyle intervention reduces body weight and improves cardiometabolic risk factors in worksites123

Background: Worksites are potentially effective locations for obesity control because they provide opportunities for group intervention and social support. Studies are needed to identify effective interventions in these settings., Objective: We examined the effects of a multicomponent lifestyle intervention on weight loss and prevention of regain in 4 worksites (2 intervention and 2 control sites)., Design: Overweight and obese employees (n = 133) enrolled in this pilot worksite-randomized controlled trial with a 0–6-mo weight-loss phase and a 6–12-mo structured weight-maintenance phase. The intervention combined recommendations to consume a reduced-energy, low–glycemic load, high-fiber diet with behavioral change education. Outcome measurements included changes in body weight and cardiometabolic risk factors., Results: The mean ± SEM weight loss was substantial in intervention participants, whereas control subjects gained weight (−8.0 ± 0.7 compared with +0.9 ± 0.5 kg, respectively; P