Providing weight management via the workplace

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to assess the feasibility and benefits of providing weight management support via the workplace. Design/methodology/approach - Quasi-experimental design using non-random assignment to a 12-week Slimming World (SW) weight management programme, either within the workplace or at a regular community group. Weight was recorded weekly and a 39-item questionnaire focused on mental and emotional health, self-esteem, dietary habits and physical activity habits administered at baseline, 12 weeks, six and 12 months. Findings - In total, 243 participants enroled (workplace n=129, community n=114) with 138 completers (defined as those weighing-in at baseline and attending at least once within the last four weeks; workplace n=76, community n=62). Completers reported a mean weight change of ?4.9 kg±3.4 or ?5.7 per cent±3.8. Mental and emotional health scores increased ( p