Workplace Obesity is a Major Cost to Corporations

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

Workplace Obesity: How corporations Can Help

With the increase in obesity and organization costs associated with it, it is more and more imperative to develop a way to assist employees with their healthy living choices. Corporate Health Promotion Programs can help corporations help their employees. By offering assistance with Health Screening and Biometric Testing, Health Risk Assessments / Health Risk Appraisals and by conducting Wellness Program surveys; Corporate Health Promotion Programs allow the organization non-invasive ways to communicate their concerns about their employee’s health.

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