Obesity comes at a cost. Personally, it comes right out of the wallet to pay for a premium airline seat, extra gas in the tank, time off work, and medical expenses. Physically, obesity exacts payment from the body in many serious ways. According to U. S. Government statistics, two-thirds of Americans, age 20 and over are either obese or overweight. That's approximately 133.6 million people with a Body Mass Index greater than 25. Of these, practically one-third or 63.6 million are actually obese.

* The statistics presented here are based on the following definitions unless otherwise specified: healthy weight = BMI > 18.5 to < 25; overweight = BMI > 25 to < 30; obesity = BMI > 30; and extreme obesity = BMI > 40.

For employers, obesity means more loss in both indirect cost of more sick days, lower productivity while on the job, and the direct cost of health expenses incurred, between $460 and $2,500 per obese employee annually.

Obesity is the seventh leading health problem in the U.S. workforce, resulting in the sixth leading cause of loss productivity. Employer indirect cost looms at $3.9 billion yearly in lost productivity (age 17-64 workforce), while direct costs are estimated at $10 billion annually. Research from Scandanavia has shown that increased sick leave and disability pensions are also highly associated with obesity. However, it is rare that the medical management of severe obesity is covered under health insurance policies, becoming a cyclical problem.

In an effort to move the country toward a healthier lifestyle, the National Nutrition Summit outlined these priorities: Businesses should be encouraged to provide a "supportive environment" to their employees, allowing for exercise time, after workout showers, and nutritious food choices in vending machines.

A recent preliminary study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (9/07), found that financial incentives actually encouraged employees to lose weight. "Financial incentives tied directly to weight loss are an attractive strategy from an employeer's perspective because they require no start-up costs and employees receive an employer's perspective because they achieve the targeted weight loss goal," said Eric Finkelstein, Ph.D. Director of RTI's Public Health Economics Program and the study's lead author.

The 2007 C. Everett Koop National Health Award Winner for reduction of medical costs and the furthering of better health went to the Pepsi Bottling Group. Through a comprehensive, documented program known as Healthy Living, PBG was able to provide onsite initiatives to its employees. These programs included free over-the-phone, paper, and online programs for weight, nutrition, exercise, stress, blood pressure, cholesterol, back pain, and smoking. In addition, access was given to a fitness club, exercise equipment, and Weight Watchers discounts. Reaching all employees through PBG communications, the company implemented incentives using cash, small gifts, raffles, benefit credits, and point systems. Employees and their families were encouraged to participate.

Within one year, those participants in weight management classified as obese with a BMI greater than 30 saw reductions, as did those participating in a Weight Watcher competition--5% and 6% losses in a ten week challenge. Four of the seven onsite Healthy Living locations saw more than a 30% participation rate in a pedometer exercise program. Incentives, family inclusion, and an employer truly concerned about its employees works! The Pepsi Bottling Group is on to something.

The Steps Program, offered through the U.S. Government, writes grants which implement chronic disease prevention and health promotion activities for obesity, diabetes, and asthma. Physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and tobacco usage are addressed too. A good example of Steps in action is their YMCA Project. The Y was awarded $2 million ($500,000 per year for four years), to improve the reach of Steps-funded activities. The YMCA has 20 million members, 70 million+ households are within a 3 mile radius of a local Y; for generations its impact has had a ripple-effect across
America. Their community-based plans have promoted school lunch walks, family activity nights, visiting local health experts, 5K Walk/Run, reduced rates for families from targeted schools, and other programs. By working with individuals, families, and physicians, the message of better health through physical activity, nutritional education, and tobacco free bodies has been a success!

As we begin to move into a new year, many of us will make the decision to get in shape. Let's not just think about ourselves, but rather our children and grandchildren. How we eat, exercise, relax, and shop for groceries is being viewed by future generations. We do not need to completely alter our entire lifestyles, but rather step-by-step, implement small changes. Ultimately, the choices we make will not only affect our bodies and wallets, but also our employers, our communities, and the U.S. Economy.

Update on Nov 30, 2007 by Kelly
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