Workplace Obesity is a Major Cost to Organizations
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 organization’s bottom line.
According to a new report from The Conference Board, Weights and Measures: What employers Should Know about Obesity, obese workers cost private businesses an estimated $45 billion annually. 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 U.S citizens fit the definition of “obese”
Obesity related health problems are costing United States businesses millions of dollars annually in medical expenditures and work loss.
Workplace Obesity: How businesses 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 workers with their healthy living choices. Workplace Health Promotion Programs can help businesses help their workers. By providing assistance with Health Testing, Health risk assessments and by conducting Workplace Health Promotion Program surveys; Workplace Health Promotion Programs allow the employer non-invasive ways to communicate their concerns about their staff member’s health.
We suggest establishing a Walking Workplace Health Promotion 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.
