Date of Conferral

9-8-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Health Education and Promotion

Advisor

Summer Parrott

Abstract

Adult obesity rates have increased from approximately 15% in 1980 to more than 40% of adults in 2018, and the rates continue to increase. White-collar workers are disproportionately impacted as a result of the sedentary work performed in a white-collar work environment. Increased levels of obesity result in elevated levels of psychological stress, chronic health conditions, and increased organizational costs. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to understand the lived experiences of the obese white-collar worker who has used a worksite wellness program to lose weight and to understand what additional support was needed to achieve weight loss. The social ecological model provided a conceptual framework to understand a person’s experiences and the type of support they needed. Six virtual semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants between the ages of 25 and 67, working in a white-collar environment who had attempted weight loss using a worksite wellness program. Data collection was complete after six interviews and saturation was reached. A narrative analysis indicated three emergent themes. The data revealed the role of the worksite wellness program in supporting weight loss for the obese white-collar worker is supplementary. Workers require a personalized and multi-faceted approach that incorporates social connection as a key motivator and accountability source. Identifying how to customize support in a worksite wellness program for the obese white-collar worker to achieve weight loss could contribute to positive social change. With this understanding, the rising levels of obesity can be reduced, which would result in improved health outcomes for this population.

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