What types of worksites participate in weight loss trials?

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to describe the process and outcomes associated with adoption for the Worksite Weight Control Trial. This prospective study took place in Virginia, USA between the years 2007 and 2010.  A total of 119 worksites were identified as potentially eligible, based on size, access to internet, and willingness to conduct a worksite wide brief health survey. Seventy-three were eligible, 28 (38.3%) enrolled, and 26 completed the 12 months of intervention (35.6%). These sites included four medical facilities (14.3%), six manufacturing and distribution centers (21.4%),  five professional groups in law, advertising, engineering, sales, and information technology support (17.9%),  two call centers (7.1%),  4 small colleges and universities (14.3%), and  seven governmental agencies (25.0%). There were no statistically significant differences in adoption rates based on type. However, there were trends suggesting professional groups and small colleges were more likely to decline participation, and manufacturing sites and governmental agencies more likely to join. While these findings suggest the programs were acceptable to a variety of worksite types, internet-delivered programs may not be as attractive for professional groups and small colleges.