Effectiveness of Fit and Trimmed Staffs (FATS) program on weight management among the healthcare providers at Simpang Health Clinic, Perak: A pre-post interventional study
https://doi.org/10.51866/oa.107
- Author:
Shing Ni Leow
1
;
Chai Li Tay
2
;
Wei Wei Ng
3
;
Mior Nurshafiq Mior Mohammad Jafri
4
Author Information
1. MD (MMA, Russia) , Doctor of Family Medicine (UKM) Klinik Kesihatan Changkat Jering, Changkat Jering, Taiping, Perak, Malaysia.
2. MD (UKM), MFamMed (UM) Klinik Kesihatan Simpang, Jalan Kuala Kangsar, Simpang, Taiping, Perak, Malaysia.
3. BSc (Hon) Nutrition (UKM) Klinik Kesihatan Simpang, Jalan Kuala Kangsar, Simpang 34700 Taiping, Perak, Malaysia.
4. BSc OT (UiTM) Klinik Kesihatan Simpang, Jalan Kuala Kangsar, Simpang, Taiping, Perak, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Weight Reduction Programs;
Health personnel;
Obesity
- MeSH:
Weight Reduction Programs;
Health Personnel;
Obesity
- From:Malaysian Family Physician
2022;17(3):89-96
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Obesity is associated with an increased risk for non-communicable diseases. Local studies have shown that 33.1% of healthcare providers (HCPs) are overweight, while 21.1% are obese. Interventions that consist of diet, physical exercise and cognitive behavioural training have been shown to be successful in reducing weight.
Methods: We designed a weight loss programme for our HCPs named the ‘Fit and Trimmed Staff’ programme, which consisted of 3 months of group education on obesity-related health problems led by a doctor, a pharmacist, a nutritionist and an occupational therapist among HCPs. Monthly individual dietary counselling by a nutritionist was also provided for 6 months. We measured the body weight, body mass index, percentage of body fat, visceral fat and percentage of skeletal muscle of the HCPs before and after the intervention.
Results: Forty-five (56.25%) HCPs at Simpang Health Clinic were either overweight or obese; the majority of them were drivers and administrative clerks (100%), followed by health attendants (69.2%) and medical assistants (63.6%). At 6 months post-intervention, there was a trend towards a non-significant reduction in the fat percentage (median=-0.8%, P=0.423). Approximately 42% (n=19) of the HCPs lost weight, while 58% gained weight. Weight loss was observed more commonly in the male HCPs (>50%) than in the female HCPs.
Conclusion: A weight loss programme solely consisting of health discussion and nutritional advice is inadequate to induce weight reductions. A multimodal approach may be considered in managing weight among HCPs.
- Full text:2025082013241771311v17n3-OA-Effectiveness-of-Fit-and-Trimmed-Staffs.pdf
