Successful weight control program for employees
Schumacher, N.; Groth, B.; Kleinsek, J.; Seay, N.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association 74(4): 466-467
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-8223 PMID: 429726 Document Number: 142914
A hospital staff weight loss program was successful in that goal, increased interest in nutrition, and opened a line of communication between the dietary department and other hospital personnel. Therapeutic dietitians taught eight weekly sessions covering calorie-point counts, food intake and energy output, behavioral modification, exercise, diets, fast foods, nutrient content, and nutritional value. Employees kept food intake records, which were evaluated periodically by the dietitians. The 55 employees (out of 70 original enrollees) lost an average of 9.5 pounds per person in 8 weeks. The individual figures were in line with recommendations for controlled weight loss. Since most participants had not reached their proposed goals, a maintenance and follow-up program was instituted. Coverage was expanded to include individuals interested in learning about nutrition, though they were not seriously overweight.