Worksite nutrition education can lower total cholesterol levels and promote weight loss among police department employees.

Individuals who work in law enforcement careers are often subjected to stress that can result in health and emotional disorders. Many police departments have begun to offer wellness programs to support their employees. This pilot study designed and implemented a nutrition education component for an existing police department wellness program. Twenty-eight subjects completed the 12-month study that included nutrition counseling, seminars on nutrition and eating behaviors, and monitoring of weight and blood lipid levels. There was a significant group trend for decreased weight and lower total cholesterol levels. Results of the study led to the development of health policy standards for the Austin (Tex) Police Department. Wellness programs that involve registered dietitians can result in weight loss and lower cholesterol levels for employees in high-stress occupations as well as changes in departmental policy.