title: Weight control in the workplace: a needs assessment for men.
abstract: This investigation was designed to assess the needs and interests of overweight men in a worksite weight control program. Employees of 2 high-tech companies were surveyed; 373 men and 238 women responded. 56% of respondents were interested in a worksite program. 44% of male respondents had a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or greater and of those, 75% indicated an interest in participating. Among women, 21% had a BMI of 25 or greater and 92% were interested in the program. Also 68% of women who were not overweight would participate in a weight control program. There was a strong preference for a self-help teaching format over group activities, and particular interest in an evaluation of their present food habits, behaviour modification techniques for weight control and the health consequences of overweight. These findings give clear direction for the development of an effective worksite intervention.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Reid
authors.forename: G C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Dunkley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008571:Men; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009786:Occupational Health Services; D009864:Ontario; D012648:Self Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods