Background. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of
a worksite multicomponent health promotion intervention on eating behavior and
attitudes, changes in body weight, and readiness to make eating behavior
changes among workers over a 12-month intervention period. Method. A total of
3,095 workers of a logistic company participated in a quasi-experimental
comparison group study design. The intervention group received a
multicomponent health training. Two of the main elements of the multicomponent
intervention were physical exercise training and nutrition
counseling/training. During the pilot year, participants completed a survey at
baseline and again after 12 months to assess physical activity–, health-, and
diet-related factors. Results. Results showed that participants’ body weight
did not significantly decrease in the intervention group. Mean weight loss in
the intervention groups was 0.5 kg (body mass index = 0.1 kg/m2). Eating
behaviors in the intervention group improved more than in the comparison
group. Some positive intervention effects were observed for the cognitive
factors (e.g., changes in eating attitudes). Baseline readiness to change
eating behavior was significantly improved over time. Conclusions. We
demonstrated initial results of a long-term multicomponent worksite health
promotion program with regard to changes in body weight, eating behavior, and
attitudes. This evaluation of a 12-month pilot study suggests that a worksite
health promotion program may lead to improvements in nutritional health
behaviors for a number of workers. An investigation of long-term effects of
this multicomponent intervention is strongly recommended
