Effect of Nurses Living Fit™ Exercise and Nutrition Intervention on Body Mass Index in Nurses

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.