OBJECTIVES: We examined whether factors associated with attempting to lose weight in a hospital-based employee workforce varied by race/ethnicity. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in 6 hospitals in a health system in central Massachusetts. The stratified random sample included 813 employees; men and and non-White employees were oversampled. The primary outcome measure was current evidence-based weight loss attempts. RESULTS: Factors positively associated with attempting to lose weight among non-Hispanic Blacks included self-perceived overweight, female sex, higher education, physician recommendation to lose weight, and having a chronic medical condition. Among Hispanics, body mass index and self-perceived overweight were associated with attempts to lose weight, while working full time and second or third shift were associated with lower likelihood of weight loss attempts. Among non-Hispanic Whites, self-perceived overweight, female sex, higher education, and physician recommendation to lose weight were positively associated with attempting to lose weight, while working full time and working third shift were negatively associated. CONCLUSIONS: Rates of overweight and obesity were high among hospital employees. Findings suggest that factors associated with attempting to lose weight vary across racial and ethnic groups. Workplace-based interventions for weight control should include strategies tailored to these differences.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the associations of perceptions of organizational commitment to employee health and coworker physical activity and eating behaviors with body mass index (BMI), physical activity, and eating behaviors in hospital employees. METHODS: Baseline data from 899 employees participating in a worksite weight-gain prevention trial were analyzed. RESULTS: Greater perception of organizational commitment to employee health was associated with lower BMI. Greater perceptions of coworker healthy eating and physical activity behaviors were associated with fruit and vegetable and saturated fat consumption and physical activity, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Improving organizational commitment and facilitating supportive interpersonal environments could improve obesity control among working populations.

Previous studies have consistently observed that women are more likely to perceive themselves as overweight compared to men. Similarly, women are more likely than men to report trying to lose weight. Less is known about the impact that self-perceived weight has on weight loss behaviors of adults and whether this association differs by gender. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis among an employee sample (n=899) to determine the association of self-perceived weight on evidence-based weight loss behaviors across genders, accounting for body mass index (BMI) and demographic characteristics. Women were more likely than men to consider themselves to be overweight across each BMI category, and were more likely to report attempting to lose weight. However, perceiving oneself to be overweight was a strong correlate for weight loss attempts across both genders. The effect of targeting accuracy of self-perceived weight status in weight loss interventions deserves research attention.

BACKGROUND: Online learning can be an excellent method for presenting clinical skills to address health behaviors. METHODS: Medical students pilot tested a skills-building course consisting of an online component and a practical application. RESULTS: A total of 38 students were registered, 25 (66%) completed the online component, and 22 (58%) completed both course components. Students reported they were adequately trained to administer the brief 5A intervention to patients who smoke and they intended to deliver the intervention routinely. CONCLUSIONS: Online skills-building courses can have a positive effect on students' knowledge and skills and can be used across health behaviors promote healthy lifestyles.