Sustained body weight reduction by an individual-based lifestyle intervention for workers in the construction industry at risk for cardiovascular disease: results of a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of a lifestyle intervention for male workers in the construction industry at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).


METHODS
In a randomized controlled trial performed in the Netherlands between 2007 and 2009, usual care was compared to 6 months of individual counseling using motivational interviewing techniques, delivered face to face and by telephone. Participants aimed at improving energy balance-related behavior or smoking cessation. Linear regression analyses were performed to determine the effects.


RESULTS
Body weight had significantly decreased at 6 (β=-1.9, 95% CI -2.6; -1.2) and 12 months (β=-1.8, 95%CI -2.8; -1.1). The intervention effects were also significant for diastolic blood pressure at 6 months (β=-1.7, 95% CI -3.3; -0.1). Among participants who had aimed at energy balance, the intervention had a significant favorable effect on body weight at 6 (β=-2.1, 95% CI -2.9; -1.3) and 12 months (β=-2.2, 95% CI -3.1; -1.3) and at HDL cholesterol (β=0.05, 95% CI 0.01; 0.10) and HbA1c (β=-0.06, 95%CI -0.12; -0.001) at 12 months, although there was no intervention effect on these variables over time.


CONCLUSIONS
Individual-based counseling resulted in significant beneficial long-term effects on body weight. This is an important finding for occupational health, considering the rising prevalence of obesity and CVD.
Groeneveld
Iris F
IF
Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands. iris.groeneveld@vumc.nl
Proper
Karin I
KI
van der Beek
Allard J
AJ
van Mechelen
Willem
W
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001835:Body Weight; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D037001:Directive Counseling / Q000379:methods; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D012307:Risk Factors; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D015431:Weight Loss; D055815:Young Adult
D002784:Cholesterol; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; C517652:hemoglobin A1c protein, human