Workplace Obesity and Overweight Concerns

Workplace obesity and overweight issues continues to be a rising concern and one of the most costly risk factors found in corporate America today.  Health professionals from the University of Michigan Health Management Research Center reported in 2006 that an obese individual with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more cost an excess of $1,500 per year. 

According to a recently published report by the Conference Board, Weight and Measures: What businesses should know about obesity---obese employees cost private businesses an estimated $45 billion annually. America is one of the, if not the heaviest countries on the planet.The Centers of Disease Control estimates that 36% of the US adults are obese and 65% fit into the overweight category. 

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There are big differences between overweight and obesity when it comes to health but when it comes to a person's overall health and wellness, they both are definitely putting individuals at high risks for developing other chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, and heart disease, and even death.

It is quite apparent that the cause of an increase in worksite obesity rates is in fact the link between physical inactivity and poor nutritional habits. The average American is consuming more fast food (4-5 times per week on average) and high calorie, high fat snack foods. On top of the extremely high caloric diets, we are also a very sedentary society. The days of walking to the grocery store instead of taking your car everywhere are over!

Despite the clear benefits of regular physical activity, over 60% of US adults do not meet the recommended exercise guidelines for better health. The shocking statistic for me is that less than 25% of the American population get even a slight amount of physical activity even in leisure or recreational time. No wonder we have such a huge obesity crisis on our hands today.

Businesses can help address workplace obesity through programs offered as part of their wellness program. It is especially crucial that they do help address the issue if they want to manage their own health care costs and medical claims.

Some of the ways that employers can address workplace obesity is to offer physical activity or walking challenges, nutritional awareness campaigns, and incorporating environmental policies that support behavior and lifestyle changes among employees.

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