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

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Giuseppina, Bernardelli^{a; b; 1} | Francesca, Gori^{c; 1} | Rezarta, Kolleshi^d | Laura, Tomaino^{e; f} | Antonella, Di Maggio^g | Alessandra, Piontini^g | Maria Rosaria, Ingenito^{g; h} | Daniela, Lucini^{b; h} | Vito, De Gennaro Colonna^{a; g} | Vigna, Luisella^{g; *}

Affiliations: [a] DISCCO Department, Università di Milano, Milano, Italy | [b] Exercise Medicine Unit, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milano, Italy | [c] Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Emergency, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda – Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy | [d] Master Degree of Rehabilitation Science for Health Professions, Università di Milano, Milano, Italy | [e] Emergency Medicine Residency Program, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy | [f] Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy | [g] Occupational Health Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy | [h] BIOMETRA Department, University of Milan, Milano, Italy

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Luisella Vigna, Occupational Health Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy. E-mail: [email protected].

Note: [1] Giuseppina Bernardelli and Francesca Gori are first co-authors.

Abstract: BACKGROUND:Workplace barriers to physical activity (PA) and sedentary work contribute to obesity. Workplace lifestyle interventions are needed to reduce sedentary behavior. OBJECTIVE:The study evaluates the effects of a self-monitoring PA protocol plus diet on general health of workers with obesity. METHODS: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. RESULTS:Significant improvements in SF36 and GPAQ scores were recorded, along with reductions in sedentary activity, weight, and BMI (p < 0.001). 6MWT significantly increased from 462.5 [412.5–500] m at T0 to 500 [462.5–550] m at T1 (p < 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. CONCLUSIONS: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.

Keywords: Lifestyle, obesity, workplace, GPAQ, 6MWT, physical activity, intervention

DOI: 10.3233/MNM-230115

Journal: Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 205-217, 2024