Positive Outcomes of Workplace Holiday Weight-Gain Prevention Program
Concerns About Holiday Weight Gain
As the holiday season approaches, many individuals express concerns about potential weight gain. This weight gain typically results from overeating and reduced physical activity associated with increased social gatherings and colder weather.
Study Overview
A recent study published in *Nutrition and Health* explored the effectiveness of a workplace holiday weight-gain prevention program. Researchers from Georgian, United States, engaged over 200 state government employees in a ten-week initiative aimed at preventing weight gain during the holiday season.
Methodology
At the study’s onset, participants’ weights were recorded. Follow-up weigh-ins occurred bi-weekly throughout the ten-week program and again at the conclusion. During this period, employees participated in team challenges and received organizational support to encourage healthy behaviors.
Results
The findings revealed that participants made significant improvements in their eating habits and levels of physical activity. Remarkably, rather than experiencing weight gain over the holiday season, employees actually lost weight.
Conclusions
The researchers concluded that “a weight gain prevention program during a high-risk period (fall holiday season) can be effective.” This study indicates that engaging in group weight-gain prevention activities that promote healthy habits may help manage weight during critical times, such as the holidays.
Reference
Mark G Wilson, Heather M Padilla, Lu Meng, et al. (2019). Impact of a workplace holiday weight gain prevention program. Brief Report. Nutrition and Health. Volume: 25 issue: 3, pages: 173-177.
Image Credit
Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay.