Abstract P247: Trends in Obesity Prevalence and Predictors of Significant Weight Loss in a Large, Diverse Employee Population: The Baptist Health Employee Study

Background: Obesity has become a significant problem in the workplace, impacting health care costs to employers and employee productivity. As a result, employers have adopted various strategies to improve obesity among their employees. In this study, we examine the changes in obesity distribution in a cohort of employees of a large healthcare organization over a 3-year period and examine characteristics of employees who lost significant weight. Methods: Employees of Baptist Health South Florida (BHSF), a large not-for-profit healthcare organization, participated voluntarily in an annual Health Risk Assessment between 2012 and 2014. Only employees who participated in all 3 consecutive years were selected for this study. Height and weight from which body mass index was calculated, as well as other biometric measures were collected. The HRA also assessed current lifestyle behaviors, as well as intentions/ readiness to improve these lifestyle characteristics and behaviors including diet, exercise and weight. ...