Worksite obesity has become one of the fastest growing healthcare 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 employers Should Know about Obesity, obese staff members 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 healthcare, more than smoking or problem drinking.
34% of adult Americans fit the definition of “obese”
Obesity related health problems are costing American corporations millions of dollars annually in medical expenditures and work loss.

Worksite Obesity: How organizations Can Help

With the increase in obesity and employer costs associated with it, it is more and more imperative to establish a way to assist staff members with their healthy living choices. Worksite Wellness Programs can help organizations help their staff members. By providing assistance with Health Screening, Health risk assessments and by conducting Worksite Wellness Program surveys; Worksite Wellness Programs allow the employer non-invasive ways to communicate their concerns about their worker’s health.

We suggest establishing a Walking Worksite 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.