Occupation Is Related to Weight and Lifestyle Factors Among Employees at Worksites Involved in a Weight Gain Prevention Study

Objective While colleges have implemented brief, tailored interventions for health-risk areas such as alcohol prevention, theoretically-guided digital learning offerings for weight gain prevention have lagged behind in programming and implementation. Thus, the objective was to design and usability test a weight gain prevention digital learning platform for college students with modules targeting key nutrition and physical activity behaviors. Methods Development occurred in iterative phases: formative research, descriptive normative data collection, prototype development, and usability testing. Formative research consisted of background work and survey administration to incoming and current freshmen. Prototype development was guided by theories of behavior change and cognitive processing, and consisted of brief assessment and feedback using written text, graphs, and videos. Iterative usability testing was conducted. Results Current freshmen reported eating more quick order meals per week than incoming freshman, but fewer high-fat snacks and fewer sugary beverages. Current freshmen reported more sedentary time than incoming freshmen. Based on iterative testing results, eight behavioral targets were established: breakfast, high-fat snacks, fried foods, sugary beverages, fruit/vegetables, physical activity, pizza intake, and sedentary behavior. Initial usability testers indicated the modules were easy to understand, held their attention, and were somewhat novel. Analysis of qualitative feedback revealed themes related to content, layout, structure and suggested refinements to the modules. Conclusions A gap exists for evidence-based obesity prevention programs targeted to adolescents as they transition into adulthood. Brief, tailored digital learning interventions show promise towards addressing key behavioral nutrition and physical activity targets among students during the transition to college.

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Associations between active commuting to school, fat mass and lifestyle factors in adolescents: the Kiel Obesity Prevention Study (KOPS)

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition ◽

10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602781 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 62 (6) ◽

pp. 739-747 ◽

Cited By ~ 45

Author(s):

B Landsberg ◽

S Plachta-Danielzik ◽

D Much ◽

M Johannsen ◽

D Lange ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Obesity Prevention ◽

Fat Mass ◽

Lifestyle Factors ◽

Active Commuting ◽

Prevention Study ◽

Active Commuting To School

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607Longitudinal weight gain and lifestyle factors in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome

International Journal of Epidemiology ◽

10.1093/ije/dyab168.046 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Mamaru Ayenew Awoke ◽

Arul Earnest ◽

Anju Joham ◽

Allison Hodge ◽

Wendy Brown ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Weight Gain ◽

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽

Energy Intake ◽

Glycemic Index ◽

Weight Change ◽

Polycystic Ovary ◽

Lifestyle Factors ◽

Sitting Time ◽

Ovary Syndrome

Abstract Background Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity and greater weight gain than women without PCOS. The association of lifestyle factors with weight change in PCOS is not known. Methods We used data from the 1973-78 birth cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health collected from seven surveys over 19 years (N = 14127 survey 1). Linear mixed-effects models were used to examine associations between diet, physical activity, and sitting time with weight change, after adjustment for socio-demographics, psychological factors, and health care utilisation. Results Women with PCOS gained more weight annually (0·26 kg/year, 95% CI 0·13, 0·39; P < 0·0001) and over 19 years (4·75 kg; 95% CI 3·17, 6·34; P < 0·0001) than women without PCOS (adjusted analyses). For all women, there were positive associations between weight gain and energy intake, sitting time, and stress; inverse associations with fibre intake and physical activity; and no associations with diet quality, glycemic index, healthcare utilization, depression, or anxiety. There were interactions between lifestyle factors (energy intake P = 0·006, glycemic index P = 0·007, sitting time P = 0·029, and physical activity P = 0·022), PCOS status and time (age) such that weight gain varied between women with and without PCOS according to these factors. Conclusions Women with PCOS had a higher rate of weight gain than women without PCOS. This was most marked in those with indicators of unhealthy lifestyles. Increased stress, energy intake and sitting time and lower physical activity contributed to weight gain in women with and without PCOS. Key messages The findings reinforce the importance of early and ongoing lifestyle intervention and the potential use of specific lifestyle factors for weight gain prevention and management in PCOS.

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Impact of a workplace holiday weight gain prevention program

Nutrition and Health ◽

10.1177/0260106019854916 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 25 (3) ◽

pp. 173-177 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mark G Wilson ◽

Heather M Padilla ◽

Lu Meng ◽

Carmen N Daniel

Keyword(s):

Weight Gain ◽

State Government ◽

Organizational Support ◽

Prevention Program ◽

Eating Behaviors ◽

Weight Gain Prevention ◽

Self Monitoring ◽

Holiday Season ◽

Average Worker ◽

Workplace Setting

Background: The average worker gains 2–3 lb (0.9–1.4 kg) a year, about half of which is gained during the fall holiday season (Halloween through New Year’s). Aim: The aim of the study was to conduct a pilot test of a weight gain prevention program that was implemented in a workplace setting during the fall holiday season. Methods: 239 state government employees participated in a weight gain prevention program offered during the fall holiday season. The program was a 10-week, team-based program that consisted of self-monitoring, regular weigh-ins, a team challenge, and organizational support. Weight was measured at baseline, every two weeks during the program, and post-program. Results: Participants lost a significant amount of weight (from 196.7 lb/89.2 kg to 192.3 lb/87.2 kg) during the program. Positive changes were observed in physical activity and eating behaviors. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that a weight gain prevention program during a high risk period (fall holiday season) can be effective.

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