title: Workplace-based participatory approach to weight loss for correctional employees.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effectiveness of a participatory approach using an employee design team for a 12-week weight-loss program with an 8-week follow-up.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-four employees with mean [standard error (SE)] for weight 233.24 lb [8.16], body mass index 33.29 kg/cm [0.82], and age 42.7 years [1.5] participated in the study, among whom 75% were men and 25% women.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant reductions in weight, body mass index, and waist circumference (among men) were observed before and after intervention (P < 0.05). About 73% and 68% of the variation in weight change (P < 0.01) and waist circumference (P < 0.01), respectively, were explained by Nutrition Knowledge and Exercise Confidence scores after controlling for gender and age.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A participatory program with employee involvement resulted in positive outcomes. Increasing participants' knowledge and providing skills to manage their weight seem to change their attitudes, resulting in better outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06268, USA.
authors.forename: Lindsay
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ferraro
authors.forename: Pouran D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Faghri
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Henning
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cherniack
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003256:Community Participation; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D016272:Occupational Health; D011330:Prisons; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055105:Waist Circumference; D015431:Weight Loss; D017132:Workplace