Obesity Weighs Heavily On Employers

Obesity affects more than 60 million Americans and the price tag for private employers is about $13 billion annually for obesity related illnesses. This includes health care costs and lost productivity.

A 2007 Duke Health and Safety Surveillance System study of more than 11,000 employees concluded that an employee’s body mass index (BMI) has a strong influence on the likelihood of injury and type of injury they may suffer.  While injury rates for obese employees are higher for all body parts; injuries to the back, shoulder, knee and hip were the most directly related to weight problems.          

Researchers found the workers’ compensation claim rate for obese employees to be twice that of recommended-weight workers. The number of lost workdays was almost 13 times higher, medical claims costs were 7 times higher, and indemnity costs were 11 times higherthan among healthy weight-range workers.

   

The BMI is an established measure utilized by physicians and health experts to determine weight status (i.e. underweight, overweight or within a healthy weight range).  A BMI below 20 is considered underweight and a BMI of 20 to 25 is healthy.  BMI’s of 25 to 30 are generally considered overweight, while a BMI over 30 is considered very overweight (obese). You can calculate your BMI by visiting the National Institute of Health website: http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/.

   

The workplace offers an unmatched opportunity to influence life-style changes.  Workplace weight-management programs can play a tremendous role in helping employees achieve weight loss. Nearly half of all respondents who claimed to participate in workplace weight-management programs reported success in reaching and maintaining their long-term weight loss goals.

   

Employers can begin managing obesity in the workplace by providing better food choices that are available to employees. Substitute low-fat, low-salt healthy foods in vending machines and encourage physical activity during breaks and lunch. Provide “health promotions” so people learn better nutrition and life-style habits.

Employees involved in company health-based initiatives recognize that their employer values and cares about their well-being. Benefits extend beyond improving the health of the employees to lowering insurance costs and improving the health of the business.


Jan Beaver,  Vice President, PEI