Worksite Obesity: The Facts

Worksite obesity has become one of the fastest growing health care problems in America. It is well known that America is considered one of the, if not “the”, fattest nations 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 corporations Should Know about Obesity, obese workers cost private companies an estimated $45 billion each year. Here are some of the report’s findings:

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

Worksite Obesity: How companies Can Help

With the increase in obesity and corporation costs associated with it, it is more and more imperative to establish a way to assist workers with their healthy living choices. Workplace Wellness Initiatives can help companies help their workers. By providing assistance with Health Testing, Health Risk Assessments (HRAs) and by conducting Workplace Health and Wellness Plan surveys; Workplace Wellness Initiatives allow the corporation non-invasive ways to communicate their concerns about their worker’s health.

We suggest establishing a Walking Workplace Health and Wellness Plan 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.