Table 2.
Author (Year) | Description of the Intervention | Results | Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Allan et al. (2016) [15] | Environmental intervention (environmental intervention) affecting eating habits | For behavioural endpoints, 13 of 22 studies showed a significant effect on primary endpoints. For physical endpoints, some studies showed no difference in BMI or body weight, while others confirmed it. | The current state of knowledge does not allow for clear recommendations for introducing environmental interventions to change eating habits in the workplace. |
Brown et al. (2017) [30] | Workplace well-being programs to prevent or treat diabetes (nutrition—cooking workshops, individual dietary consultations, dietary changes; physical activity pedometers, workout plans; smoking cessation; usually in combination) | The study demonstrated a steady improvement in health in biological measures, self-reported behavioural adherence measures, and psychosocial variables. The authors presented data that showed improvement in most cases. | Workplace diabetes prevention programs can be useful in reducing disease occurrence and progression, but better design of interventions is needed. Employer education and further research in this area are crucial. |
Geaney et al. (2013) [16] | Change in the composition of meals available at work, change in portion sizes (usually reduction), changes in access to healthy products for employees. | All of the included studies showed changes in fruits and vegetables intake, but none showed an effect size greater than a half-portion increase in fruit and vegetables consumption. | Modification of workers’ meals may increase fruit and vegetables intake, but the strength of evidence is low. |
Park et al. (2019) [37] | A nutritional intervention that limits the intake of energy and certain nutrients (carbohydrates or fats) or a balanced diet that ensures a normal supply of all nutrients | Employees’ body weight decreased significantly: WMD of −4.37 kg (95% CI −6.54 to −2.20; Z = 3.95, p < 0.001), so did BMI: WMD of −1.26 (95% CI −1.98 to −0.55) kg/m2, but it was statistically significant (Z = 3.47, p = 0.001), blood cholesterol and blood pressure values also declined—but the problem is the duration of the study and the quality of the data. | It is challenging to definitely state the effectiveness of interventions, but it is a good start for further research. |
Sawada et al. (2019) [17] | Discounts on healthy food products or for a smaller portion ordered in the employee cafeteria, colour-coding of dishes (yellow, green and red), | No significant changes in BMI, blood cholesterol levels or changes in diet | Link between the intervention and the outcomes cannot be established; poor quality of evidence; a need for further research in this area. |
CI—confidence interval; p—probability value; WMD—weighted mean difference; BMI—body mass index; Z—z-score statistics.