Lose to Win: Fighting Obesity in the Workplace

Background: Obesity is a significant healthcare problem in modern American society. It has led to decreased longevity of employees and decreased productivity in day-to-day duties of healthcare workers. There are more negative attributes to obesity than positive, regardless of the race affected. One of the leading causes of death in 2012 was cardiovascular disease. Due to poor dietary choices, the promotion of sedentary lifestyle has led to complications of obesity such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Major improvements can be made within a community that acknowledges the risks of obesity and seeks to implement preventive programs. Increasing one’s physical activity and implementing healthier dietary choices leads to a reduction in cardiovascular diseases. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to develop an evidence-based obesity prevention program for the healthcare facility staff to increase physical activity within the workplace. Theoretical Framework: Health Belief Model Theory. Methods: The investigator used a quasi-experimental approach using a pretest/posttest design. Results: The results of the data analysis revealed positive perception changes in acceptance to the implementation of physical activity in the workplace. Within two weeks of the project completion, the investigator noted a 69.23 percent increase in the implementation of physical activity in the work and home setting, and an 84.62% change in the manner individuals made food choices, with a median percentage rate of 96.2 for awareness of obesity, overweight health status, and cardiovascular disease risk factors. Conclusion: The evidence-based worksite obesity prevention initiative provides support and acceptance for the implementation of physical activity in the work setting