Health And Wellness Programs

Worksite Obesity: The Facts

Worksite obesity has become one of the fastest growing medical care 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 organization’s bottom line.

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

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

Worksite Obesity: How businesses Can Help

With the increase in obesity and company costs associated with it, it is more and more imperative to develop a way to assist workers with their healthy living choices. Employee Wellness Plans can help businesses help their workers. By offering assistance with Health Screening, Health Risk Assessments (HRAs) and by conducting Employer Health and Wellness Program surveys; Employee Wellness Plans allow the company non-invasive ways to communicate their concerns about their employee’s health.

We suggest establishing a Walking Employer Health and Wellness 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.