Workplace wellness programs targeting weight outcomes in men: A scoping review

Abstract

Workplaces have been identified as a priority setting for the delivery of wellness programs to address risk factors for overweight and obesity. Men in particular may benefit greatly from these types of programs as they are typically harder to engage in health promotion. A scoping review was performed to provide an overview of interventions that have been implemented within the workplace that target weight outcomes in men. A searched of six electronic databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Review, and Business Source Ultimate) was conducted from January 2010 to August 2020. Of the 2191 articles identified, 25 were included. The majority took place in North America or Europe (72%). Over half (n = 17, 68%) utilized both a nutrition and physical activity component. Thirteen of the 19 articles (68%) that reported weight as an outcome showed the program to be efficacious in reducing weight.Overall, only seven articles were solely focused on an all-male population. Workplace wellness programs targeting weight outcomes in men have been conducted to some extent, with majority being successful in reducing weight. However, there is a need for more randomized controlled trials (RCTs), long-term follow-up, and male-only programs.

Workplace Health Promotion Programs Targeting Smoking, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity in Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…Hegemonic masculinity norms reinforce the notion that men tend to distance themselves from the feminized realm of dieting (Gough, 2007). This may account for why weight interventions that incorporate physical activity components tend to produce greater treatment effects and have better retention in men (Bezzina et al, 2022). Moreover, patterns of conformity and peer pressure around alcohol consumption are particularly relevant for higher alcohol consumption within male dominated industries (Roberts et al, 2019).…”

“…Despite the reported potential of WHP programs in men (Bezzina et al, 2022; Morgan et al, 2011; Viester et al, 2018), there have been no systematic review or meta-analysis conducted to assess the pooled effects of these programs. Workplace health promotion programs are primed to bridge the gap between engaging men in health promotion and lowering lifestyle-related risk factors.…”

Assessment of Healthy Eating and Active Lifestyle on Campus Environment in a University Setting as Perceived by Students Using the Innovative Photo Voice Method, a Healthy Eating and Active Lifestyle (HEAL) Study

“…W orkplace health is an emerging scientific area of interest. Recent research studies have shown that effective workplace wellness programs directed at healthy eating and active lifestyle have been found in reducing health risk incidence (Bezzina et al, 2022). Some of the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including, for example, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, cancer, and depression have been particularly reported to be associated with workplace environment (Harris et al, 2022;Boyle and La Rose, 2009).…”