“It’s no wonder American’s are trying to eat themselves to death”. This quote from a quickly dismissed comedy that touched on an issue that seems to be growing today more than ever. Employers whom have been shouldering the bulk of the burden for health care are ratcheting up efforts to combat obesity. This issue appears to be a major driver of health costs in the U.S., with the expenses expected to continue to rise significantly in the coming years.
Apparently a little over 20% of all current medical expenditures are obesity related. This is causing employers to look to new measures to assist in reducing their expenses.
Employers are going so far as to provide “treadmill desks” that employees can use for an hour or so each day, allowing sedentary workers to walk while they work, having desks at which require people stand, not sit. Or better yet holding meetings where everyone stands (a possible time saver as well). Some are having weight loss competitions with prizes, providing flextime for exercise. Some are going as far as opening up company gyms to employees’ families.