EFFECTIVENESS OF A MULTIDISCIPLINARY WEIGHT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AMONG OVERWEIGHT AND OBESE EMPLOYEES: A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Overweight and obesity among working adults are significant public health concerns associated with unhealthy dietary habits, physical inactivity, and difficulties in maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviors. Workplace-based weight management programs offer an opportunity to promote healthier habits through integrated nutritional, physical, and psychological interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary workplace weight management program in improving dietary patterns, physical activity behaviors, mindful eating practices, and healthy eating behaviors among overweight and obese employees. Methods: A quasi-experimental intervention study was conducted among 60 overweight and obese employees recruited through random sampling. The intervention included dietary counseling delivered by a dietitian, supervised physical activity led by a physiotherapist, and psychological and behavioral support provided by a psychologist. The program incorporated dietary modification, mindful eating, healthy lifestyle education, and the four golden rules of weight management. Each session lasted approximately 1.5 hours. Validated questionnaires were administered before and after the intervention to assess lifestyle-related outcomes. Pre- and post-intervention data were analyzed using paired-samples t-tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Correlation analysis was also conducted to explore associations between changes in dietary practices and physical activity behaviors. Results: Of the 60 participants enrolled, 50 completed the full multidisciplinary intervention and follow-up assessment, while 10 opted for selected intervention components. Improvements in dietary patterns, physical activity behaviors, and healthy eating practices were reported among participants completing the full intervention. Statistically significant improvements were observed in selected outcome measures (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis was conducted to examine associations between changes in dietary practices and physical activity behaviors. The magnitude of the changes, correlation coefficients, confidence intervals, and exact p-values should be reported from the original dataset. Conclusion: The multidisciplinary workplace-based weight management program showed potential for improving dietary and physical activity behaviors among overweight and obese employees. Integrating nutritional counseling, supervised physical activity, and psychological behavior-change strategies may support healthier lifestyle choices in workplace settings. Further studies with larger samples, clearly defined comparison groups, and longer follow-up periods are needed to establish the effectiveness and sustainability of such interventions.