UMMS Affiliation

Department of Medicine, Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine

Date

9-2011

Document Type

Poster

Subjects

Obesity; Weight Gain; Workplace; Health Behavior; Social Behavior; Social Control, Informal

Disciplines

Behavioral Disciplines and Activities | Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms | Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Preventative Medicine

Abstract

Objective: To assess the association between descriptive social norms for weight and weight-related behaviors and associated behaviors at the worksite.

Design and Sample: Baseline data from site-randomized trial of a worksite ecological intervention for weight control; 12 public high schools in central Massachusetts; Sample of 844 employees enrolled (~ 2/3 of all employees).

Conclusions: Associations of weight loss and eating social norms with behavior; Unique from social support; No association of physical activity social norms with physical activity; May be little opportunity for and therefore little exposure to physical activity during the workday; Results support the development of weight loss interventions that address social norms for weight loss and eating behaviors at work.

Citation: Lemon SC, Liu Q, Magner R, Schneider K, Pbert L. The impact of worksite weight-related social norms on associated behaviors. The Obesity Society Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL, September, 2011.