Worksite Obesity is a Major Cost to Businesses

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”, 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 employees cost private businesses an estimated $45 billion annually. Following 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 U.S citizens fit the definition of “obese”
Obesity related health problems are costing United States corporations millions of dollars annually in medical expenditures and work loss.

Worksite Obesity: How businesses 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 employees with their healthy living choices. Corporate Wellness Programs can help businesses help their employees. By providing assistance with Health Testing, Health risk assessments and by conducting Corporate Wellness Program surveys; Corporate Wellness Programs allow the business non-invasive ways to communicate their concerns about their employee’s health.

We suggest establishing a Walking Corporate Wellness Program to assist your employees in meeting their weight-loss goals. Walking Wellness is a program designed to get your employees 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.