Physical activity and dietary behaviors of health clinic workers trying to lose weight

Abstract

Health clinic workers are potential agents of change for weight loss to patients, yet their behaviors are not well known. This study examined physical activity (PA) levels and dietary habits of health clinic workers who were and who were not trying to lose weight. Participants were 64 community health clinic workers (58 females and 6 males). Moderate-to-vigorous intensity (MVI) time spent in PA was assessed by triaxial accelerometry over 7 consecutive days. Dietary habits and weight loss efforts were determined by a food frequency questionnaire. Differences in MVI and nutrition variables were assessed by one-way ANOVA, comparing those trying to lose weight and those not trying to lose weight. 48 out of 64 health clinic workers (approximately 75%) indicated that they were currently trying to lose weight. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in Body Mass Index (BMI), daily energy (Kcal) and fat (g) intake between those trying to lose weight and those not trying to lose weight. There were no significant differences in MVI, daily sugar intake (g), vegetable and fruit servings, and daily fiber intake (g) between groups. Health clinic workers trying to lose weight appear to be engaging in some appropriate dietary but not PA behaviors.

Frontline Experiences of a Practice Redesign to Improve Self-management of Obesity in Safety Net Clinics

“…As seen in other studies, if health coaches had experience making similar goals for themselves, the coaches tended to be more confident and patients tended to be more receptive to making behavior changes. (Ferrer et al, 2009; Goh, 2012) Future studies can assess this type of strategy with the teamlet model, since there are multiple team members who may serve as role model(s) and specific clinical skills are not required.…”