title: Effectiveness of a workplace wellness program for maintaining health and promoting healthy behaviors.
abstract: This study assessed the effectiveness of a worksite wellness program. A within-group study design was conducted. Assessment was based on 3737 continuously employed workers at a large agribusiness during 2007-2009. More than 80% of employees participated in the program, with a higher percentage of women participating. Clinically significant improvements occurred in those who were underweight, those with high systolic or diastolic blood pressure, high total cholesterol, high low-density lipoprotein, low high-density lipoprotein, high triglycerides, and high glucose. Among obese employee participants, significant improvements occurred in selected mental health and dietary variables. Among those who lowered their BMI, significant decrease occurred in fat intake, and significant increase resulted in weekly aerobic exercise and feelings of calmness and peace, happiness, ability to cope with stress, and more physical energy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Science, College of Life Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, USA. Ray_Merrill@byu.edu
authors.forename: Ray M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Merrill
authors.forename: Steven G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Aldana
authors.forename: Judy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Garrett
authors.forename: Chip
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ross
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000097:blood; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D019649:Food Industry; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology; D006973:Hypertension / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology; D017132:Workplace; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004041:Dietary Fats; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL; D014280:Triglycerides; D002784:Cholesterol