Employees advised on diet and physical activity at work reap benefits, says report
Security staff at Gatwick Airport lost weight and reduced their cholesterol among other health improvements as part of a 12-week work wellbeing intervention trial with 35 shift-workers.
The pilot project offered employees professional advice on diet and physical activity, as well as a free pedometer and motivational support.
At the end of the project there was an average overall reduction of 3kg in body weight and significant reductions in body mass index and waist circumference. Blood glucose levels had fallen by about 8 per cent, while cholesterol levels fell from 5 millimoles (mmol) per liter (L) of blood to 4.7 mmol/L. The NHS recommends an average of 5 mmol/L or less for healthy adults and 4 mmol/L or less for those at high risk.
A report detailing the pilot’s findings showed that one participant with type 2 diabetes successfully lowered his fasting glucose level to within the normal range during the trial.
Staff also reported feeling happier, had better sleep quality, self-efficacy (confidence in what they could achieve) and more satisfaction with exercise and leisure activities.
Consultant nutritionist Amanda Ursell gave employees a healthy eating plan including information such as including plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as foods known to enhance satiety. These included foods high in fibre, such as porridge, and those rich in protein, like eggs, pulses, fish and lean meat.
And the airport’s health and wellbeing caterers Charlton House provided simple healthy menu planning and access to lower calorie meals in the staff restaurants, as well as signposting to encourage healthier meal choices. Gatwick Airport Occupational Health Department also gave employees support and advice throughout the 12 week project.
Ursell, who co-authored the report, said: “This project shows what, and how, we eat at work, coupled with support and guidance from employers, could significantly reduce the weight, and improve the health and wellbeing of our workforce. As the trend to eat outside of home continues, this research shows a workplace intervention programme that offers a holistic approach to diet and physical exercise can positively influence an employee’s approach to health and aid their personal wellbeing.”
Dr Carrie Ruxton, who collaborated on the project, added: “We spend most of our waking hours at work so workplace interventions really do have the capacity to make a big difference to the health and wellbeing of employees. Gatwick’s ‘Passport to Health’ programme is a ringing endorsement of how an employer can positively influence employees’ approach to health and aid their personal wellbeing. More employers should follow their lead.”
The full report on the trial findings has been published in Complete Nutrition.