The (cost-) effectiveness of an intervention on energy balance related behaviours and work engagement.

Prevalence of overweight has increased dramatically over the last few decades. It is an important threat for the health of the working population. Overweight has negative effects on health and is also associated with numerous negavitive business-related outcomes. Prevention of overweight is beneficial for both employee and employer, Next to overweight, the concept of work engagement has become more known over the last few years. As it is associated with numerous positives outcomes, for employee as well as for employer, it is a relevant concept to stimulate amongst employees.



The study aims to develop an intervention to improve workers' energy balance related lifestyle behaviours (EBRB) to prevent overweight and to improve work engagement and subsequently evaluate the intervention developed. The intervention will be evaluated in a randomised control trial (RCT). Participants will be measured at baseline (T0), after 6 months (T1) and after 12 months (T2). The intervention program will be offered to participants in the intervention group. Participants in the control group will be offered usual care (which is extra promoted). The study population consists of employees of a research institute. The intervention consists of an incompany mindfulness training, followed by E-coaching. Additionally supporting tools such as fruit, a buddy-system and routes for lunch walking will be offered to the participants in the intervention group.



Primary study parameters/outcome of the study:

Energy balance related behaviours:

1. Physical activity;

2. Fruit and vegetable intake;

3. Sedentary behaviour.

Work engagement.



Secundary study parameters/outcome of the study:

1. Mental health;

2. Vitality;

3. General health perceptions;

4. BMI;

5. Waist circumference;

6. Absenteism en Presenteism;

7. Need for recovery;

8. Cost effectiveness.



Finally, a process evaluation will be performed.

It is hypothesised that energy related behaviours and work engagement will improve as a result of the intervention. Overweight will be prevented as a result of the improvement in energy balance related behaviours. In addition, work related measures are expected to improve.

At baseline, 6, and 12 months measurements take place.

The intervention program has been developed using the Intervention Mapping protocol.

The intervention consists of an 8 week
in-company mindfulness training followed by e-coaching, with specific exercises aimed at stimulating determinants of energy balance related behaviours and work engagement. There are three supporting elements: Provision of fruit on the workplace, stimulating having a buddy and provision of walking routes during lunch-break.


The control group will receive care as usual.