Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds (Healthy Heads) has released the results of its trial program it designed with Be Fit Food.
The positive results in weight loss and wellbeing has seen participants losing an average of 3.28kg and 75 per cent reporting a positive change in their overall quality of life.
Due to the nature of their work, truck drivers and warehouse workers face challenges such as limited access to nutritious meals, long hours spent on the job and low levels of physical movement and exercise, which can all contribute to poor health outcomes.
As part of the program, 20 participants, including truck drivers and warehouse workers from Australia Post and Linfox, took part in the six-week trial.
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During the six weeks, Be Fit Food provided pre-prepared, dietitian-designed meals that were ready to heat and eat, plus daily snacks. These are the types of healthy packaged foods that can be easily carried in a truck or packed and taken to work. The program also included personalised dietary support, including a 15-minute phone check-in every two weeks.
Participants completed before and after trial medicals, which Be Fit Food evaluated to determine if access to the structured meal program led to improvements in key health markers.
Participants found their waist circumference decreased by 1.47cm and hip circumference by 1.38cm. Nine participants also achieved reduced blood pressure.
One participant said they noticed a clear boost in their energy levels because of the program.
“I’m not sure if I’ve lost any weight but I do think my clothes are fitting more loosely,” they said.
“I definitely think I have more energy though, that’s been the biggest change.”
Furthermore, a participant survey showed that three-quarters of participants reported that they had improved their knowledge of healthy eating, and all followed their exercise routines.
Key takeaways for participants were increased understanding of foods that improve wellbeing and the importance of portion control.
Healthy Heads CEO Naomi Frauenfelder noted that the trial results highlight the significant benefits truck drivers and warehousing team members could gain from following a structured, dietitian-led meal program.
“It is clear to see that following this program can lead to substantial health benefits, particularly with weight, BMI and the reduction of metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors,” Frauenfelder said.
“If every truck driver and person working in a warehouse across the country had easy access to this type of meal program, we would have a happier, healthier and more energetic sector on our hands.”
Healthy Heads will now work closely with Be Fit Foods to promote the results of this eye-opening trial to the industry, to encourage wider participation and greater access to this type of meal program.
For further information, visit healthyheads.org.au.
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