
Obesity-related medical expenditures, absenteeism, and reduced productivity while at work among full-time U.S. employees is estimated to cost over $73 billion annually.1 Losing five to ten percent of one’s weight can improve blood pressure, blood cholesterol and blood sugars, and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases related to obesity such as diabetes, along with their associated social burdens and costs.2 Enlightened employers realize it makes sense to confront the challenge of weight control and obesity where adults spend most of their waking lives.
Best Resources
(3 pts on CDC Scorecard)
Provide and promote interactive educational programming on weight management.
- Maintain Don’t Gain Toolkit (Kaiser Permanente)
- Weight Management Modules (Dietitian Professional Advisory Committee)
- Interactive Weight and Obesity Tools and Programs (United States Department of Agriculture)
- Healthy Weight Information and Tools (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
Provide and promote free or subsidized lifestyle coaching/counseling or self-management
programs that equip employees with skills and motivation to set and meet their personal
weight management goals.
Better Resources
(2 pts on CDC Scorecard)
Good Resources
(1 pt on CDC Scorecard)
Provide educational materials that address the health risks of overweight or obesity.
- The Health Effects of Overweight and Obesity (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
Provide free or subsidized body composition measurement (beyond self-report) followed by
directed feedback and clinical referral when appropriate.
- Adult BMI Calculator (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)