Exercise At Workplace Reduces Risk Factors for Diabetes and Heart Disease

A new study shows a healthy lifestyle intervention programme administered at the workplace reduces risk factors for diabetes and heart diseases. The programme was developed by University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health and administered at the workplace.

Kaye Kramer, lead author from University of Pittsburgh, said "Health care expenditures associated with diabetes are spiraling, causing widespread concern, particularly for employers who worry about their employees' health and productivity."

During the study, participants lost 5% of their body weight and reduced their waistlines by two inches. The physical activity of the participants increased almost two-fold. At the end of the intervention, 96% of the participants said the programme can be offered at the workplace, and 99% said they would recommend it to their co-workers.

Andrea Kriska from Pitt Public Health's departement of epidemiology, said, "This current effort in the workplace shows clearly that a proven healthy lifestyle programme to employees is effective in reducing risk factors for diabetes and heart disease."

The study appeared in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.



Source: Medindia