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 company’s bottom line.

According to a new report from The Conference Board, Weights and Measures: What businesss Should Know about Obesity, obese workers cost private organizations an estimated $45 billion annually. 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 U.S. corporations millions of dollars annually in medical expenditures and work loss.

Worksite Obesity: How organizations Can Help

With the increase in obesity and business costs associated with it, it is more and more imperative to establish a way to assist workers with their healthy living choices. Corporate Health and Wellness Programs can help organizations help their workers. By providing assistance with Health Screening, Health Risk Appraisals and by conducting Corporate Health and Wellness Program surveys; Corporate Health and Wellness Programs allow the business non-invasive ways to communicate their concerns about their worker’s health.

We suggest establishing a Walking Corporate 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 physical activity. Keep it fun by having contests, setting up weight-loss teams and having organized healthy picnics.