Public Health and Primary CareOriginal Article
Employer Funded Complete Health Improvement Program: Preliminary Results of Biomarker Changes
J Osteopath Med; 117(5): 293-300
Abstract
Context: Previous studies of the Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) have demonstrated short-term improvements in select metabolic and cardiovascular biomarkers in community-based programs. However, less is known about the benefits of an employer-funded lifestyle intervention program.
Objectives: To determine if participation in employer-provided CHIP would result in improvements in short-term metabolic and cardiovascular biomarkers, and to compare the results of the current study to a larger national study.
Methods: This observational study evaluated metabolic and cardiovascular biomarker changes in employer health insurance beneficiaries enrolled in CHIP between August 2012 and November 2014. Body mass index; blood pressure (systolic and diastolic); total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, fasting plasma glucose, and triglyceride levels; and weight were measured at baseline and after CHIP.
Results: Of 160 employees enrolled in CHIP, 115 women and 45 men agreed to participate in the study. Overall, the participants demonstrated significant reductions in body mass index, from a baseline average of 31.5 to a post-CHIP average of 30.5 (P<.001), systolic blood pressure from 124.5 to 119.4 mm Hg (P=.017), diastolic blood pressure from 77.3 to 74.5 mm Hg (P=.046), total cholesterol from 186.0 to 168.8 mg/dL (P<.001), low-density lipoprotein from 112.9 to 99.3 mg/dL (P<.001), high-density lipoprotein from 48.8 to 46.4 mg/dL (P<.001), and fasting plasma glucose from 100.8 to 96.5 mg/dL (P<.001).
Conclusions: When funded by an employer, CHIP demonstrated short-term improvements in select metabolic and cardiovascular biomarkers. Future studies will analyze these data to determine whether these findings translate into subsequent decreased employee absenteeism and reduced beneficiary health claims.