Obesity in the workplace-an employee wellness issue

Obesity has become a major issue in the workplace, for both the employer and the employee. The major concern has become the amount of money employers are having to pay for obese employees versus those who are not overweight. Studies show that obesity is linked to millions of lost work days, along with millions of work days that are restricted activity. In addition, there are more sick days taken by obese employees and more doctors' visits. All of these affect the bottom line and the productivity of many businesses.

Studies have also shown that when an obese employee files a disability claim it is much longer then an employee who is not overweight. When obese employees do receive medical care it also costs more, as well. Not only do obese employees utilize more health care, they have both higher inpatient and outpatient costs. They cost more to medicate and also tend to have much longer hospital stays, resulting in higher medical costs and more time away from work.

When obese employees are at work they are at risk for three major conditions. These conditions are: diabetes, arthritis and heart disease. These three conditions alone have been estimated to cost employers over $220 billion dollars annually, in both health care costs and lower productivity.

Studies have also shown that severely obese male employees tend to die 13 years sooner then men of normal weight. In addition, being obese has been found to be more of a contributing factor, to life span, health care costs, and employer related costs, then either drinking or smoking. Researchers conclude that this is because employees who are obese have up to a 50% higher chance of more chronic medical problems, then even those employees who drink excessively or smoke.

While there are many contributing factors to a rise in obesity, the bottom line is that many employers are having to pay the costs. Employers have begun to realize that they must invest in their great resources-their employees. Employers have become proactive in helping their employees manage their weight and make decisions that lead to a healthier lifestyle. There are now strategies available that are helping employers decrease obesity among their staff and reduce the impact that obesity can have in the workplace.

There are many different rewards that employers can see when they work effectively and positively in helping their employees with weight control. These include but are not limited to:

• An improvement in the health and productivity of all employees-This is due to the fact that a healthier employee is generally a much happier employee. Employees who participate in a weight management program report that both the quality of the life and their job satisfaction improve.


• An improvement in employee morale-Employees who participate in a weight management program report much higher levels of on the job morale.


• A drastic reduction in the amount of money spent on health care and associated costs-The bottom line is that effective weight management programs reduce the overall amount of risk in the workplace and reduce the amount spent on health care claims.


• Employees who enjoy and take advantage of a better work-life balance and a higher level of job satisfaction-Employees who are happier at work, are not only healthier but more likely to stay on the job. Employers face rising costs associated with recruiting, hiring and training new employees. This should be avoided at all costs.

Employees view employers who offer weight management programs as companies that make the welfare of the workforce a priority. Businesses that work to promote fitness and better lifestyle choices can know that they are working to improve the quality of life for their employees, and their staff will appreciate this in return. Employers who understand the necessity of this type of program find themselves not only saving money but also providing a better workplace for their employees.