[Evaluation of a physical exercise and nutritional guidance program given to workers at a health institute]. / Evaluación de un programa de ejercicio fisico y orientación nutricional aplicado a empleados de una institución de salud en México.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the results of the first stage of the Pause for Your Health program, designed to promote physical exercise during the work journey day in addition to an eating plan to contribute to the employees' general well-being. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The participants were 36 employees of a national institute on health working at a research area. The indicators assessed before and after the program were: sedentary lifestyle, cardiovascular adaptation to exercise test, anthropometric measures, serico-lipoglycemic profile, blood pressure, perception of lifestyle and general well-being and finally opinion about program. RESULTS: Data showed significant changes in five anthropometric indicators, the most significant was waist circumference. As to clinical assessment, the most prominent change was observed in glucose level. The results also showed that people who were overweight at the start of the program at the end of it lost weight, which was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Participants showed attitude of great involvement regarding physical activity and increased awareness of the best way to eat. One of the immediate benefits of using this program was that it allowed identifying risk factors among the employees and increased motivation to participate and to take specific measures regarding their health care.