Posted by Employer Wellness | Posted in Employer Wellness | Posted on 06-11-2008
Corporate Obesity: The Facts
Corporate 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 company’s bottom line.
According to a new report from The Conference Board, Weights and Measures: What employers Should Know about Obesity, obese staff members cost private organizations 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 United States citizens fit the definition of “obese”
Obesity related health problems are costing U.S. companies millions of dollars each year in medical expenditures and work loss.
Corporate Obesity: How organizations Can Help
With the increase in obesity and employer costs associated with it, it is more and more imperative to develop a way to assist staff members with their healthy living choices. Employee Health Promotion Programs can help organizations help their staff members. By offering assistance with Health Screening and Biometric Testing, Health Risk Assessments and by conducting Employer Wellness Program surveys; Employee Health Promotion Programs allow the employer non-invasive ways to communicate their concerns about their staff member’s health.
We suggest establishing a Walking Employer Wellness Program to assist your staff members in meeting their weight-loss goals. Walking Wellness is a program designed to get your staff members 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.