Why should I create a program?

Dr. William Dietz, director of CDC's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, discusses why interventions in the workplace are necessary.
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Learn more about the benefits of investing in worker productivity.
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Obesity and the health conditions associated with it; such as, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, stroke, coronary heart disease, and certain types of cancer are responsible for much of the increase in health care spending by employers.⁴ Obese persons spend 77% more money for necessary medications than non-obese persons.⁴

Obesity affects more than health care costs, it also has a significant impact on worker productivity because the more chronic medical conditions an employee has, the higher the probability of absenteeism or presenteeism.⁵

Organizations can benefit directly by improving employee health through an obesity prevention program. A survey of CEOs found that "healthier employees" is the number one reason why companies choose to implement health promotion programs.⁶ Additionally, well-designed programs have the potential to extend beyond the worksite and positively influence dependents (spouses and children), and thereby reduce an organization's health care costs.

Although it may seem that only large organizations can implement obesity prevention and control programs, organizations of all sizes have done so successfully. Many types of organizations, including those with few employees and resources, are implementing successful obesity prevention programs.

Why Should Employers Get Involved?
Potential benefits to employers:

• Reduces cost for chronic diseases.
• Decreases absenteeism.
• Reduces employee turnover.
• Improves worker satisfaction.
• Demonstrates concern for your employees.
• Improves morale.

Potential benefits to your employees

• Ensures greater productivity.
• Reduces absenteeism.
• Improves fitness and health.
• Provides social opportunity and source of support within the workplace.

Also in This Section

• Return on Investment (ROI)
• Statistics and Research
• Case Studies
• Expert Interview