Multicenter Worksite Nutrition Study

The purpose of this study is to study the weight loss and other potential benefits of low fat vegan diet as compared to the standard American diet in a randomized, controlled and multi-centered workplace setting.

The 10 months study involves 5 vegan sites and 5 control sites generated through a random process after recruitment. The vegan sites will receive low fat vegan diet instructions and weekly group sessions starting from the January, 2011. The control sites will also receive identical instructions starting from the 5th month and lasting for 18 weeks.

For each participant at baseline and week 18 a blood test will be conducted, along with blood pressure, weight, hip and waist measurements. A questionnaire will also be administered during these time points to assess dietary intake, work productivity, quality of life, and healthcare utilization. At the end of one year, information about health insurance utilization will be obtained from Health Maintenance Organization(HMO) or Preferred Provider Organization(PPO) for each participant.

Inclusion criteria

• Paid employee at a participating GEICO worksite for at least 6 months
• Currently a full-time employee at GEICO working for GEICO (at least 38.75 hours/week)
• Age of at least 18 years
• Ability and willingness to participate in all components of the study
• A willingness to be assigned to the vegan diet group or the control group
• Body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2 and/or a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus, as defined by a fasting plasma glucose concentration ≥ 126 mg/dl on two occasions or a prior physician's diagnosis of type 2 diabetes

Exclusion criteria

• A history of alcohol abuse or dependency followed by any current use
• Current or unresolved past drug abuse
• Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant in the next 12 months
• Intention to leave GEICO in the next 12 months
• History of severe mental illness
• Unstable medical status
• Already following a low-fat, vegetarian diet
• An inordinate fear of blood draws
• Previously participated in GEICO two site study