Workplace Obesity is a Major Cost to Employers
Workplace Obesity: The Facts
Workplace 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 Employers Should Know about Obesity, obese employees cost private employers 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 American companies billions of dollars annually in medical expenditures and work loss.
Workplace Obesity: How Employers 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 employees with their healthy living choices. Wellness Programs can help employers help their employees. By providing assistance with health screening, health risk assessments and by conducting employee wellness surveys; wellness programs allow the employer non-invasive ways to communicate their concerns about their employee’s health.
EmployeeWellness.com suggests establishing a Walking 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.
If you have any questions about how to get your employees moving, and therefore saving them and your company money, please feel free to contact one of our wellness experts.
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