Effect of serial anthropometric measurements and motivational text messages on weight reduction amongst workers

INTERVENTION: This study is examining the effect of serial measurements of waist‐to‐hip ratios combined with motivational text messages to improve weight reduction in workers in Australia. Participants will require a mobile phone in order to receive weekly reminder text messages for serial measurements over 8 weeks. Participants will be asked to text back their hip/waist ratios on a weekly basis. Messaging software will only track if people respond. Participants will also receive text messages every 2 days over 8 weeks with informative messages regarding healthy eating, regular exercise and goal setting. We aim to study the effect of regular encouragement on health. CONDITION: cardiovascular risk obesity sedentary lifestyle PRIMARY OUTCOME: Change between initial and final waiste‐to‐hip measurements in centimeters. These will be assessed by an pre and post study survey via Survey Monkey. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Burnout. This will be measured by pre and post survey via Survey Monkey. Change in initial and final number of serves of fruit and vegetables consumed daily. This will be measured by pre and post survey via Survey Monkey. Change in initial and final self‐perceived health rating. This will be measured by pre and post survey via Survey Monkey. Change in initial and final time spent doing physical activity in minutes. This will be measured by pre and post survey via Survey Monkey. Change in initial and final weight measurement in kilograms. This will be measured by pre and post survey via Survey Monkey. Productivity.This will be measured by pre and post survey via Survey Monkey. Workability. This will be measured by pre and post survey via Survey Monkey. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Over 18 years of age Currently employed Access to a mobile phone Not on medication that causes weight gain Not currently on a weight loss program