Promoting weight loss and blood pressure control at work: impact of an education and intervention program.

Objective: To assess the impact of tailored intervention on body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) among hypertensive employees participating in an employer-based BP screening program.

Methods: The quasi-experimental design involved screening subjects (n = 15,583) within the Merrill Lynch organization. A control group had BP and weight measurements plus education whereas experimental sites additionally received a pedometer, to measure physical activity, body fat measurement, and education encouraging physical activity. Change in BMI and BP were compared after 1 year.

Results: The experimental group (n = 47) demonstrated statistically significant improvements in BMI (P < 0.01) and systolic BP (P = 0.04) versus control group (n = 94). Furthermore, 38.3% of the experimental group reported undertaking vigorous physical activity (>or=3x/wk) at 1-year; a 100% increase compared with baseline.

Conclusions: A targeted worksite intervention program may be an effective way to lower BP and promote exercise and weight loss.