title: Effectiveness of a worksite-based weight loss randomized controlled trial: the worksite study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the effectiveness of an individually targeted Internet-based intervention with monetary incentives (INCENT) at reducing weight of overweight and obese employees when compared with a less-intensive intervention (Livin' My Weigh [LMW]) 6 months after program initiation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-eight worksites were randomly assigned to either INCENT or LMW conditions. Both programs used evidence-based strategies to support weight loss. INCENT was delivered via daily e-mails over 12 months while LMW was delivered quarterly via both newsletters and on-site educational sessions. Generalized linear mixed models were conducted for weight change from baseline to 6 months post-program and using an intention-to-treat analysis to include all participants with baseline weight measurements.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Across 28 worksites, 1,790 employees (M = 47 years of age; 79% Caucasian; 74% women) participated. Participants lost an average of 2.27 lbs (P < 0.001) with a BMI decrease of 0.36 kg/m(2) (P < 0.001) and 1.30 lbs (P < 0.01) with a BMI decrease of 0.20 kg/m(2) (P < 0.01) in INCENT and LMW, respectively. The differences between INCENT and LMW in weight loss and BMI reduction were not statistically significant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study suggests that INCENT and a minimal intervention alternative may be effective approaches to help decrease the overall obesity burden within worksites.
authors: Department of Human Nutrition, Foods & Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Fralin Translational Obesity Research Center, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA.
authors: Fabio A
authors: FA
authors: Almeida
authors: Wen
authors: W
authors: You
authors: Samantha M
authors: SM
authors: Harden
authors: Kacie C A
authors: KC
authors: Blackman
authors: Brenda M
authors: BM
authors: Davy
authors: Russell E
authors: RE
authors: Glasgow
authors: Jennie L
authors: JL
authors: Hill
authors: Laura A
authors: LA
authors: Linnan
authors: Sarah S
authors: SS
authors: Wall
authors: Jackie
authors: J
authors: Yenerall
authors: Jamie M
authors: JM
authors: Zoellner
authors: Paul A
authors: PA
authors: Estabrooks
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D034742:Electronic Mail; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D050177:Overweight / Q000191:economics* / Q000628:therapy*; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods*; D017132:Workplace
keywords: behavioral intervention; e-mail; incentives; obesity; worksite