A new report says that 50 percent of all Americans will be obese by 2030 if they don't change their ways. The findings, published by Trust for America's Health last week, also suggest that obesity-related problems like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis will only get worse.
In the workplace, moderately or extremely obese employees have the highest health-related absenteeism rates of all employee groups. They also have the greatest presenteeism rates, according to a report in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. But with the right kind of training, coaching, and encouragement, people can change.
New research suggests that workplace weight management programs can improve productivity and health for this at-risk population. And wellness coordinators and healthcare professionals play a critical role in the success of those who participate in weight management programs.
In a recent study, researchers measured productivity in a random sample of employees in a manufacturing plant. Many of the 341 selected employees were overweight but not obese (43 percent), defined as a BMI of 25-29.9. Another 23 percent were mildly obese (BMI 30-34.9). And 13 percent were moderately to extremely obese (BMI 35+). Health-related losses in productivity were 1.8 percent higher for workers with moderate or extreme obesity.
Researchers followed these workers for one year. During this time, participants met with a health coach to help them lose weight, improve eating habits, and exercise more. The participants lost an average of 10 pounds and, more importantly, lowered their risk for 7 of 10 health risk factors. Researchers also found that the efforts delivered a modest short-term return of $1.17 for each dollar spent on the obesity management program for this group of people.
If you have participants who are overweight or obese in your population, an effective weight management program can help. We recently published a revised edition of the WellAssured® Guide to Weight Management written by Wellsource founder Dr. Don Hall, DrPH, CHES, and Larry Axmaker, PhD, EdD. This guide – also available in digital format –provides a realistic, systematic, practical, and empowering approach to weight management.
This guide outlines strategies for eating less fat and fewer calories, increasing physical activity, coping with stress, and creating support systems. It also includes an eating-pattern questionnaire and logs for keeping track of physical activity, diet, and weight loss. To learn more about our WellAssured® Guides available on diabetes, cancer, blood pressure, heart health, and many other topics, go to www.wellsource.com or call us at 800-533-9355.
Sources:
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
Trust for America's Health.
