Promoting changes in obesogenic behaviors: does coworker social support play a role?

Purpose: To examine the association between worksite social support and changes in diet, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI).

Design: Cohort analysis of an underlying randomized, controlled weight gain prevention worksite trial: Promoting Activity and Changes in Eating.

Setting: The trial occurred in the greater Seattle area.

Subjects: Baseline and follow-up data were obtained on a nested cohort of employees (n = 958-1078) from 33 small- to medium-sized worksites.

Measures: Worksite social support, diet, physical activity, and BMI measures were assessed using a self-reported questionnaire.

Analysis: To adjust for multilevel data and multiple time points, we used generalized estimating equations and logistic mixed models.

Results: Higher baseline worksite social support was associated with greater changes in fruit and vegetable intake (p = .001; summary food-frequency questions).

Conclusion: This study does not support a conclusive relationship between worksite social support and health behavior change.