Obesity is a major health issue all over the world. However, it is currently an issue that is plaguing countries in the west the most. This is due to the increasing levels of consumption of processed foods, sugars, and fats that are present in many meals.

Obesity is a significant issue in the United States, with more than 40% of adults being obese. This is a major concern for businesses as it has been proven that employees who are obese are less productive. In this article, we will explore why it pays for businesses to fight obesity.

Obesity and Its Effects on Businesses

Obesity has a significant impact on businesses. It not only has the potential to impact an employee’s productivity and absenteeism but also the organization’s long-term health costs.

A study carried out by the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine revealed that obese employees take more sick days in a year than their non-obese counterparts.

Furthermore, it was shown that employees who are obese are less productive, which negatively impacts the organization as a whole.

The study found that absenteeism and lowered productivity in obese employees cost employers in the United States over $73 billion each year. Additionally, obese individuals are at a high risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and more. This often leads to increased healthcare costs for the employer.

Employer-Sponsored Wellness Programs

Many businesses have begun to offer their employees wellness programs to encourage healthy living. These programs can include various activities such as gym memberships, healthy meal options, wellness seminars, and even personal training sessions.

Employer-sponsored wellness programs are an effective way of tackling obesity within the workplace and can be a win-win situation for both the employee and the employer.

Not only do these programs help to reduce absenteeism rates and increase productivity, but they also improve employee morale and loyalty to the organization.

Benefits of Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits at Work

Encouraging healthy eating habits at work can go a long way in reducing obesity rates amongst employees.

A study carried out by the American Journal of Health Promotion found that providing employees with healthier food options increased their consumption of fruits and vegetables. This, in turn, led to a reduction in BMI (Body Mass Index) by an average of 1.27 units.

Healthy food options do not have to be expensive or difficult to implement. They can include simple options such as providing fresh fruits and vegetables or offering healthy meal options, such as low-calorie, low-fat meals.

Other options include encouraging employees to bring in homemade meals or snacks, and placing healthy options in vending machines.

The Role of Physical Activity in Fighting Obesity

Physical activity is another way of fighting obesity in the workplace. Encouraging employees to get up and move around, or taking part in a physical activity during the workday, can make a significant difference in reducing obesity rates.

Even simple activities like a 10-minute walk during lunch breaks can improve an employee’s physical wellbeing and mental focus.

Many businesses are taking this a step further by offering gym memberships as part of their wellness programs.

This is an effective way to encourage employees to take up physical activity and can have a significant impact on employee health and wellbeing.

Conclusion

Obesity is a major health issue in many parts of the world, including the United States. The impact of obesity on businesses can be significant, with increased healthcare costs and decreased employee productivity.

However, businesses can take steps to combat obesity by implementing employer-sponsored wellness programs, providing healthy food options, and encouraging physical activity.

The benefits of fighting obesity in the workplace are clear. Improved employee health leads to increased productivity, lower healthcare costs, and higher employee morale.

By investing in employee health and wellbeing, businesses can reap the dividends of a healthy, productive workforce.