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Obesity has become an epidemic in the United States. National Institutes of Health reports that the condition affects every segment of the population, with about 34 percent of adults suffering from obesity. This has had a substantial economic impact, with related medical care costs amounting to almost $173 billion in America alone.
The issue has inevitably trickled into the workplace, with obese employees experiencing a higher loss of productivity than average-sized coworkers. According to the MarketScan database of over half a million workers, employees with a significantly higher BMI tend to have a higher number of hours lost from work.
As such, it’s worth considering the different factors within obesity that impact the workplace and what solutions leaders can take to help overweight and obese workers avoid productivity loss from health issues.
The impact of obesity in the workplace
One of the main reasons why obese workers have difficulty maintaining productivity is the prevalence of comorbidities. Since this condition tends to cause chronic inflammation, there is a higher risk of developing diabetes, depression, hypertension, heart disease, fatty liver, and muscle pain, among others. With this, higher levels of discomfort can lead to lost hours of productivity and an increased number of sick leaves. Aside from the issues affecting the worker’s capacity to focus on tasks, this can also result in added medical costs shouldered by company benefits.
For starters, the Milken Institute previously reported an increasing cost in obesity-related expenditures, from diagnostic testing to surgeries and medical treatment. Although there is also an investment measure, preventive services can be more proactive and cost-effective in the long run. The annual economic cost per obese worker is $6,472, more than five times that of a worker within the normal weight range.
Another factor to consider is the diverse health needs of people from different backgrounds. Genetic and biological factors can come into play, but inherent biases may be barring health access to obese employees from diverse backgrounds. Despite diverse businesses becoming larger economic providers in the country, they are still underserved in terms of programs, opportunities, and funding. As such, it’s essential to consider these when considering the overall work environment and wellness resources available to obese employees.
Solutions to advocate for obese employees
Different solutions can be made available to employees struggling with obesity, particularly if they are dealing with biological issues that may make it more challenging to lose weight. Providing programs and access to treatment and medication while advocating for healthy, judgment-free weight management can do wonders in improving employee productivity and engagement.
A popular choice offered by more companies throughout the U.S. is coverage for using Ozempic, Wegovy, and Saxenda. This popular selection of injectable prescription medications falls under the category of GLP-1 agonist for weight loss. GLP-1 agonists work by triggering insulin and inhibiting glucagon, stemming cravings and helping individuals feel fuller after meals. Since they regulate insulin and blood sugar in the body, these medications are primarily given to individuals with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or a BMI of 30 or more. There are also many kinds of GLP-1s; it’s important to note the distinction between those that actually work for weight loss and those that aren’t FDA-approved for that use.
Naturally, these medications work best when paired with lifestyle changes. This can be made more accessible for employees by providing access to an onsite gym, a healthy snack bar, and services for physical therapy. Offering these resources in your business makes the health journey much more accessible for obese employees while allowing overweight workers to get in shape before progressing. A study on obesity and comorbid conditions has found that emphasis on prevention is necessary to decrease associated risks. It further stresses the need for a comprehensive approach that includes a low-calorie diet plan, exercise regimens, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Aside from providing these tools, you can also incentivize wellness in the workplace. Benefits, freebies, and fun activities can be the push to motivate skilled workers who need an extra nudge to get their health in order. With these solutions, it’s possible to have a robust wellness program that benefits the workplace and increases productivity meaningfully.
