Worksite environment intervention to prevent obesity among metropolitan transit workers.

OBJECTIVE: The results of an 18-month worksite intervention to prevent obesity among metropolitan transit workers are reported.

METHODS: Four garages in a major metropolitan area were randomized to intervention or control groups. Data were collected during the fall of 2005 prior to the start of the intervention and during the fall of 2007, after the intervention ended. Intervention program components at the garage included enhancement of the physical activity facilities, increased availability of and lower prices on healthy vending machine choices, and group behavioral programs. Mixed model estimates from cross-sectional and cohort samples were pooled with weights inverse to the variance of their respective estimates of the intervention effects.

RESULTS: Measurement participation rates were 78% at baseline and 74% at follow-up. The intervention effect on garage mean BMI change was not significant (-0.14 kg/m²). Energy intake decreased significantly, and fruit and vegetable intake increased significantly in intervention garages compared to control garages. Physical activity change was not significant.

CONCLUSION: Worksite environmental interventions for nutrition and physical activity behavior change may have limited impact on BMI among transit workers who spend most of their workday outside the worksite.