Obesity rates have been headline news for years, and if you’re reading this blog, you know that a significant portion of the population is struggling to manage their weight. Perhaps even a significant portion of your employee population is facing that struggle.
Employers are now in a position to help their employees build better lifestyle habits, reverse this chronic condition, and live happier, healthier lives. But how do you go about that? Is the answer as simple as footing the bill for an expensive new drug? Advancements in medication are certainly part of the solution, but the true answer is more comprehensive.
Weight management programs are an effective and cost-friendly option for helping employees make long-term lifestyle changes to beat obesity. Keep reading for the three reasons why you need a weight management program in the workplace and to learn how a program like this can make a difference.
#1 More people are struggling with their weight than ever before
We know this to be true, and countless statistics show that this is likely an issue within your own workforce. Here’s one data point that illustrates this recent development: adult obesity increased by 3% in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking ahead, by 2030, NCHS predicts that nearly 1 in 2 adults will be obese. The problem has arrived, and employers will be tasked with helping their people navigate this struggle, if they aren’t already.
#2 Obesity is linked to other chronic conditions
In addition to its classification as a chronic disease itself, the CDC reports that obesity increases the risk for other chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, many types of cancer, and even behavioral health conditions like depression and anxiety. Organizations are already concerned by the prevalence of chronic conditions within their workforce for many reasons and should be taking note of the mind-body link to obesity.
#3 Obesity is driving major costs for employers
On its own, obesity isn’t a significant driver of healthcare costs. The real costs come with the greater number of chronic conditions which are found in greater frequency among individuals who have obesity. We’ve already covered the impact of obesity on healthcare costs on our blog in the past, and we’ve also talked about how conditions like diabetes are costly to employers in more ways than one.
