None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Shift workers have been found to be at increased risk of insomnias, chronic fatigue, anxiety and depression, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal problems. Several well controlled epidemiological studies suggest that exposure to shift work is associated with increased health problems compared with working normal daytime hours and is an independent predictor of increased body mass index and obesity prevalence. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a workplace-based weight-loss program developed specifically for overweight and obese male shift workers.
Interventions
The duration of the intervention is 3 months. All participants will attend a face-to-face introductory session (60 minutes) led by the Chief Investigator in Oct-Nov 2009. The information session will cover standard weight control instruction relating to diet, physical activity and behaviour change strategies including self monitoring, goal setting and social support. All participants will be provided with a study handbook. Participants in the intervention group will receive additional behavioura
The duration of the intervention is 3 months. All participants will attend a face-to-face introductory session (60 minutes) led by the Chief Investigator in Oct-Nov 2009. The information session will cover standard weight control instruction relating to diet, physical activity and behaviour change strategies including self monitoring, goal setting and social support. All participants will be provided with a study handbook. Participants in the intervention group will receive additional behavioural procedures over the course of the 3 months via use of the online website www.calorieking.com.au to support the key strategies of self monitoring and social support. The initial face-to-face session for Intervention participants will also include a technical orientation session to familiarise and teach participants how to use the study website. The website allows submission of self-monitored energy expenditure and intake, weight and online group support. Participants will be instructed to submit daily diaries for the first month and be given the option of submitting daily or weekly thereafter. Their diaries will be reviewed (weekly in the 1st month; fortnightly in the 2nd month and monthly thereafter) and individualised feedback provided in the key areas of weight loss; diet (kilojoule intake, saturated fat, sodium and fibre) and physical activity (frequency, intensity, type and time). Participants can email the research team with questions. Men will attend the information sessions in crews or departments and be encouraged to help each other use the website. Men will also weigh in each month to track progress and the 'crew' with the greatest percentage weight loss will win a prize offered by workplace management (= $50 p/hd each). A prize will also be offered at 3 months from management.
Sponsors
A/Prof Philip Morgan
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
Male
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Participants will be male staff at Tomago Aluminium Company Pty Limited who are overweight or obese (BMI between 25 and 40kg/m2)
Exclusion criteria
History of major medical problems such as heart disease in the last 5 years, diabetes, or orthopaedic or joint problems that would be a barrier to physical activity. Participants with recent weight loss of 4.5kg or more or who are taking medications that might be affected by weight loss and particpants participating in other weight loss programs or without internet access will also be excluded.
Outcome results
None listed