Lifestyle intervention in workers with obesity and sedentary behavior: A pilot study for the “OTTiMo LavorO” project.

Workplace barriers to physical activity (PA) and sedentary work contribute to obesity. Workplace lifestyle interventions are needed to reduce sedentary behavior.The study evaluates the effects of a self-monitoring PA protocol plus diet on general health of workers with obesity.Thirty-nine workers affected by obesity were enrolled in this pilot intervention study. Monthly and daily PA diary, six-minute walking test (6MWT), Short Form-36 health survey (SF-36), and Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) results were evaluated prior (T0) and at the end of the study (T1). A personalized low-calorie diet based on the Mediterranean diet model was also implemented. Participants followed the protocol from one to three months depending on the date of recruitment.Significant improvements in SF36 and GPAQ scores were recorded, along with reductions in sedentary activity, weight, and BMI (<italic>p</italic> < 0.001). 6MWT significantly increased from 462.5 [412.5–500] m at T0 to 500 [462.5–550] m at T1 (<italic>p</italic> < 0.001). A multiple linear regression analysis to investigate the impact of selected covariates (PA, body weight reduction, and sedentary time) on the 6MWT was significant in men.PA self-monitoring protocols and diets are effective and sustainable for workplace interventions. PA should be part of daily medical practice and occupational physicians should encourage behavioral changes in workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]