Reduction in blood pressure , lipids and blood glucose was not statistically significant .
Conclusions Workplace interventions  significantly reduced body weight , BMI and waist circumference .
Non-significant results for biochemical markers could be due to them being secondary outcomes in most studies .
Background Adults in urban areas spend almost 77 % of their waking time being inactive at workplaces , which leaves little time for physical activity .
The aim of this systematic review and meta- analysis was to synthesize evidence for the effect of workplace physical activity interventions on the cardio-metabolic health markers ( body weight , waist circumference , body mass index ( BMI ) , blood pressure , lipids and blood glucose ) among working adults .
Worksite intervention effects on physical health: a randomized controlled trial.
Overweight and physical inactivity are risk factors for increased disease burden and health care expenditure . Well- design ed studies are still needed to determine the treatment efficacy of worksite interventions targeting such risk factors . This r and omized controlled trial was conducted at one of Australia 's casinos in 2002 - 2003 , to investigate the effects of a comprehensive exercise and lifestyle intervention on physical fitness . Only 6.4 % of the workforce expressed interest in being study participants . Seventy-three employees ( aged 32 + /- 8 years , 51 % overweight/obese , 73 % shift workers and 52 % women ) were recruited and r and omized to treatment or wait-list control groups for 24 weeks , 44 of whom completed the intervention . Components of the intervention include supervised moderate-to-high intensity exercise including combined aerobic ( at least 20 min duration 3 days/week ) and weight-training ( for an estimated 30 min completed 2 - 3 days/week ) , and dietary/health education ( delivered via group seminars , one-on-one counselling and literature through the provision of a worksite manual ) . ANCOVA , by intention-to-treat and of study completers , found significant between-group differences in the mean waist circumference and predicted maximal oxygen uptake ( VO2max ) , favouring the intervention , but effects were concentrated in one subject . For study completers , between-group differences in the mean waist circumference ( 82.3 + /- 9.2 versus 90.5 + /- 17.8 cm , p = 0.01 ) and predicted VO2max ( 47 versus 41 ml/kg/min , p < 0.001 ) remained significant without the outlier , favouring the intervention . Higher intervention compliance predicted greater improvements in physical fitness . No significant effects on body mass or body mass index were found . This worksite intervention significantly improved waist circumference and aerobic fitness in healthy but sedentary employees , most of whom were shift workers .  Worksite interventions have the potential to counter the increasing burden of overweight and obesity , particularly visceral adiposity , as well as physical inactivity ; however , substantial barriers to adoption/adherence need to be overcome for greater feasibility and impact on employee physical health
Reduction in blood pressure , lipids and blood glucose was not statistically significant .
Conclusions Workplace interventions  significantly reduced body weight , BMI and waist circumference .
Non-significant results for biochemical markers could be due to them being secondary outcomes in most studies .
Background Adults in urban areas spend almost 77 % of their waking time being inactive at workplaces , which leaves little time for physical activity .
The aim of this systematic review and meta- analysis was to synthesize evidence for the effect of workplace physical activity interventions on the cardio-metabolic health markers ( body weight , waist circumference , body mass index ( BMI ) , blood pressure , lipids and blood glucose ) among working adults .