Obesity and overweight continue to be a major health issue in the United States. This is significant because obesity is a contributing factor for other preventable chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes type 2, osteoarthritis and many cancers (American Heart Association, 2016). Visceral obesity has been linked to increased risk of diabetes type 2, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease (Menni, et al., 2016). In addition, those with an increased Body Mass Index (BMI) have a greater incidence of job absenteeism and lower productivity in the workplace (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 2016). Even though a movement towards healthier lifestyles seems to be occurring in America, obesity continues to be problematic. Obesity is linked to a sedentary lifestyle and eating over-sized portions of high-fat, high-added sugar foods. Lack of accessibility to recreational areas and convenience of fast foods also contribute to the prevalence of obesity (U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, 2016). Measuring percent of body fat versus weight alone is a better indicator of quality loss. Measuring weight loss alone does not take into account loss from body mass, muscle mass, or fluid loss (Garcia-Galbis, Baeza, & Castell, 2015). ). Bioelectric impedance analysis is a relatively quick and easy method for measuring body fat percentage and studies have confirmed the validity of this method in predominantly healthy adults (Segal, Van Loan, Fitzgerald, Hodgdon, & Van Itallie, 1988; Pencharz & Azcue, 1996; & Kyle, et al., 2004). However, the literature is lacking in studies that measure fat loss, specifically visceral fat, in conjunction with overall weight loss as a means to decrease risk of obesity related diseases. It is estimated that the annual cost of obesity in the United States was $147 billion in 2008 (CDC, 2017). Individuals with obesity spend around 42% more on direct health care costs–costs related to preventative, diagnostic, and treatment measures-than those of normal weight.
A community based educational intervention was implemented on a college campus aimed at helping university employees lose body weight and fat to decrease risk of chronic disease and to lower organizational health care costs. The Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) was used as a framework for the project. A convenience sample from a mid-sized public university was enrolled for this 12-week project. Participants were recruited via university email and chosen randomly based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Participants were scanned using the InBody bioelectric impedance device at pre-intervention, measuring weight, body fat mass, trunk fat mass, and percent body fat. Waist circumference was also measured for evaluation. Participants attended 11 weekly classes on healthy lifestyle education. Participants were weighed weekly and re-scanned at 6- and 12-weeks to assess weight/fat loss. Twenty-eight participants were initially enrolled and 25 completed the project. A comparison of pre- and post- intervention measurements was made using a paired t-test, resulting in a statistically significant difference in all five outcome measures (p < 0.5). A correlation between number of classes attended and pounds lost using Spearman’s rho showed a moderate negative correlation (r = -.405, p = .045). Correlations were also made between demographic data and weight/fat loss to determine significance. . Average weight loss for the group was -4.64 pounds (range -16.3 - 4.80, p < .05) or -2.1% (range -7.6 - 1.8%). For the total group, 16% (n=4) lost > 5% body weight, 20% (n=5) lost between 3-5% body weight, 36% (n=9) lost between 0- 3% body weight, and 28% (n=7) gained weight. Sixty percent of participants (n=15) saw a decrease in both their total body fat percent and trunk fat mass. Additionally, 68% (n=17) saw a decrease in waist circumference.
Findings from this study support a community based life-style behavior intervention for weight and fat loss for university employees. This program could also be implemented in businesses and corporations who seek to implement a weight loss intervention for their employees.