Employee Obesity: The Facts

Employee obesity has become one of the fastest growing healthcare problems in America. It is well known that America is considered one of the, if not “the”, heaviest countries in the world. This is largely in part due to fast food, un-healthy snacks and a very sedentary lifestyle. However, what many people are not aware of is that the rate of obesity in our country has doubled in the last 30 years and this weighs heavily on a corporation’s bottom line.

According to a new report from The Conference Board, Weights and Measures: What Employers Should Know about Obesity, obese workers cost private businesses an estimated $45 billion annually. Here are some of the report’s findings:

Obesity is associated with a 36% increase in spending on healthcare, more than smoking or problem drinking.
34% of adult Americans fit the definition of “obese”
Obesity related health problems are costing U.S. businesses millions of dollars annually in medical expenditures and work loss.

Employee Obesity: How businesses Can Help

With the increase in obesity and employer costs associated with it, it is more and more imperative to establish a way to assist workers with their healthy living choices. Employee Health Promotion Initiatives can help businesses help their workers. By providing assistance with health screening, health risk assessments and by conducting Employee Health Promotion surveys; Employee Health Promotion Initiatives allow the employer non-invasive ways to communicate their concerns about their staff member’s health.

We suggest establishing a Walking Employee Health Promotion Program to assist your workers in meeting their weight-loss goals. Walking Wellness is a program designed to get your workers away from their desk and get them outside for a little exercise. Keep it fun by having contests, setting up weight-loss teams and having organized healthy picnics.