According to a recent report titled, “Obesity and its Relation to Mortality and Morbidity Costs” almost 30% of the adult population is overweight, obese, or morbidly obese.
- Overweight – 19.2% (Body Mass Index of 25.0 to 29.9)
- Obese – 7.4% (Body Mass Index of 30.0 to 39.9)
- Extremely Obese – 4.2% (Body Mass Index of 40.0 +)
Some other shocking finds concerning obesity and health from the New York Times:
- Obese Americans spend about 42% more on health care than normal-weight Americans
- Obese Americans spend about $1,429 more on health care each year than the roughly $3,400 spent by normal-weight Americans
- The average American consumes 250 more calories per day than just two decades ago
- Medical spending on obesity-related conditions is estimated to have reached $147 billion a year in 2008. A figure that represents almost 10% of all medical spending
How can health and wellness programs curb this epidemic? First, group programs and working with others on a common goal keep people on track (think Weight Watchers). If employees are accountable for their actions to others, they will more likely stay on task. This also builds comradery and teamwork skills.
Second, you can show your employees that you care for their well-being and want them to be healthy. You can also reduce absenteeism, increase employee loyalty and witness a major decrease in health insurance costs by offering health and wellness services.
What are some services you can offer? Weight management, healthy eating, healthcare financial services, patient advocate services, concierge visits, gym memberships, group fitness programs, counseling, etc. to name a few.
The major thing is to show your employees you care about their well-being and want them to be healthy and feel great. We can curb obesity by re-learning healthy eating/living habits and decrease healthcare spend exponentially.
