OnSiteClinics.Org

Obesity as a driver of costs – what can be done?

Look “across the pond.”   Unilever, with more than 7,500 employees in the UK and Ireland, rolled out a program to help its employees better manage their weight.  Called the “Fit Business” program, it was offered to approximately 1,600 employees in both office and factory jobs.  The program offerings included posting of nutritional content about food options in company cafeterias; health checks; and BP and BMI readings.  What happened?

Well, 26% of  factory employees and 9% of office staff lost weight on the program.  Nearly half of the employees in both categories said that the pilot program had helped them to make more healthy food choices.  Called a “win-win” by Alan Walters, vice-president of HR, he also said “Obesity is  the biggest public health issue of our time.  Since people spend a very significant part of their life at work, I believe business can present a crucially important practical and implementable solution to challenge this.”  He went on to say that  it could result in a “competitive advantage” through improved performance and employee engagement/productivity.

Well, what’s next?   Maybe something like a “biggest loser” program for employees.  And, why not?  Millions are hooked on the U.S. television program, and the incentive of a large financial reward has demonstrated that it is hugely effective in motivating weight loss.  That type of incentive is unrealistic, of course, in business.  But that type of approach, with one-on-one coaching, nutritional counseling, and prizes might very well work.  Those with on-site clinics have the resources to do just that, and the long-term benefits of weight loss can be abundantly demonstrated in health care cost savings, better attendance and productivity, improved life style, and even a longer life span.