Posted by Worksite Wellness | Posted in worksite wellness programs | Posted on 05-12-2008
Company Obesity: The Facts
Company obesity has become one of the fastest growing medical 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 organizations Should Know about Obesity, obese employees cost private organizations an estimated $45 billion annually. Following are some of the report’s findings:
Obesity is associated with a 36% increase in spending on medical 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 annually in medical expenditures and work loss.
Company Obesity: How organizations Can Help
With the increase in obesity and organization costs associated with it, it is more and more imperative to establish a way to assist employees with their healthy living choices. Worksite Wellness Programs can help organizations help their employees. By providing assistance with Health Screening, Health risk assessments and by conducting Worksite Wellness Program surveys; Worksite Wellness Programs allow the organization non-invasive ways to communicate their concerns about their worker’s health.
We suggest establishing a Walking Worksite 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.