Excess weight and lack of exercise are linked to millions of dollars in healthcare costs each year.
However, a recent study suggests that a workplace walking program can make a difference.
Researchers wanted to find out if a walking program could improve overall health and lower risk factors for obesity and chronic diseases. In the 12-week study, participants lost weight and showed measurable improvement in their blood pressure, blood glucose levels, cholesterol levels, and body mass index.
The workplace walking program increased participants' health awareness, improved their food choices, and increased their level of physical activity. The program also prompted some employees to seek medical care for problems that were keeping them from getting regular exercise. In addition, some employees who were not part of the study joined participants for regular walk breaks and even followed the guidelines for a healthier diet. At least two participants reported losing 35 pounds during the 12-week study.
Participants in the study used pedometers, and tracked their progress online. They also received a weekly e-mail message about the benefits of walking and completed online learning activities about health and wellness.
By the end of the study, the participants increased their daily steps by an average of 27%. Their mean body mass index was lowered from 29.06 to 28.76. Hypertension among the participants decreased by 3.4%, fasting glucose levels decreased by 6%, and mean total blood cholesterol levels dropped from 184 mg/dl to 178.81.
Worksite health promotion programs have been shown to improve employee health, increase productivity, and save employers money in healthcare costs. Savings range from $1.49 to $4.91 (median of $3.14) in benefits for every dollar spent on the program.
If you don't have a walking program in place, chances are pretty good that a few of your employees already take regular walk breaks. Recruit them to help you establish a walking program, identify nearby walking routes, and encourage others to add a little exercise to their daily schedule.
Sources: Davis, L, et al. A pilot intervention to promote walking and wellness and to improve the health
of college faculty and staff.
Journal of American College Health. 2007; 55(4):219.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
