Effect of Nurses Living Fit™ exercise and nutrition intervention on body mass index in nurses

J Nurs Adm. 2012 Apr;42(4):231-8. doi: 10.1097/NNA.0b013e31824cce4c.

Abstract

Objective: The hospital-based Nurses Living Fit (NLF) intervention was implemented by nurses to determine its effect on decreasing body mass index (BMI) in nurse participants.

Background: Although there are limited data on obesity rates of nurses working in the United States, more than half are estimated to be overweight or obese.

Methods: The NLF intervention included exercise (12 weekly sessions), yoga and nutrition (4 monthly sessions), and diary completion (exercise/yoga, food/water consumption, and sleep), addressing healthy lifestyle principles.

Results: NLF participants experienced a greater mean reduction in BMI and waist circumference inches. Ninety-three percent of NLF participants recommended the NLF program.

Conclusions: Provision of an evidence-based program such as NLF facilitates nurse education on healthy lifestyle principles.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Body Mass Index*
  • Diet*
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital*