Influence of Nutrition, Food and Diet-Related Interventions in the Workplace: A Meta-Analysis with Meta-Regression

Abstract

Objective: To review the scientific literature on the influence of verified nutrition, food and diet interventions on occupational health. Method: This study involved a critical analysis of articles retrieved from MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) and Medicina en Español (MEDES) using the descriptors “Diet, Food, and Nutrition” and “Occupational Health” and applying the filters “Clinical Trial”, “Humans” and “Adult: 19+ years”; the search was conducted on 29 May 2021. Results: A total of 401 references were retrieved from the bibliographic databases, with an additional 16 identified through a secondary search; among the studies retrieved, 34 clinical trials were selected after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The interventions were grouped into seven categories: (1) dietary interventions associated with exercise or educational programs; (2) individual environmental interventions or other educational actions; (3) educational interventions oriented toward lifestyle, dietetics, physical activity and stress management; (4) economic incentives; (5) multicomponent interventions (combination of mindfulness, e-coaching and the addition of fruits and vegetables); or dietary interventions (facilitating greater food supply in cafeterias); or interventions focused on physical exercise. Conclusions: Given that most people spend a large part of their time in the workplace and, therefore, eat at least one of their daily meals there, well-planned interventions—preferably including several strategies—have been demonstrated, in general, as useful for combating overweight and obesity. From the meta-regression study, it was observed that the interventions give better results in people who presented high Body Mass Index (BMI) values (obesity). In contrast, intervention 2 (interventions related to workplace environment) would not give the expected results (it would increase the BMI).

Occupational life-style programme over 12 months and changes of metabolic risk profile, vascular function, and physical fitness in blue-collar workers

“…Moreover, no changes of the Omega-3-Index, a parameter dependent on the consumption of unsaturated fatty acids, was observed (Table 2 ), although values were very low at baseline [ 14 ]. Therefore, individual nutritional counselling could have been a valid prevention strategy in addition to exercise intervention, as has shown by previous investigations [ 21 – 23 ]. We, however, did not include individual nutritional advice into our programme, as it was reported from previous experience by the corporate medical department and the employee representation that the employees were reluctant to adopt changes in nutrition to a large extend.…”

The Effects of the Exogenous Melatonin on Shift Work Sleep Disorder in Health Personnel: A Systematic Review

“…According to the assessment performed through the CONSORT criteria, the evaluation of the level of evidence and recommendation of the studies included in this review was to a certain extent lower than that observed in current systematic reviews on occupational health [ 30 , 31 ]. The study of the non-significant time trend in document adequacy contradicted the expected evolution of increased fulfilment in the course of time.…”

Salud ocupacional: rol del personal de enfermería en la evaluación y prevención de riesgos

“…En la tabla 6 se encuentran organizados la intervención del personal de salud ocupacional para la promoción de la salud en los ambientes de trabajo. Las intervenciones sobre la nutrición del personal por medio de la promoción de una alimentación saludable y la implementación de programas educativos e incentivos económicos, así como la implementación de ciclos trabajo/descanso o pausas activas en las empresas tiene un efecto positivo sobre la reducción de las tasas de obesidad y sobrepeso y sus comorbilidades, así como el nivel de estrés laboral (Melián-Fleitas et al, 2021).…”