Obesity: Higher Healthcare Costs, Lower Productivity

Implications: There is no revelation in stating that obese people move slower or have more health problems compared to skinny people.  High blood pressure and diabetes are commonly associated with obesity.  Morbidly obese people may have difficulty sitting in a single coach airplane seat, fitting through a doorway, or bending over to pick up an item.  Such obesity is associated with higher healthcare costs, more time away from work, and lower productivity when compared to people who are not obese.  In short, obese Americans need to lose weight to improve their waistline and the bottom line.

Analysis: If so many Americans are obese and are experiencing the adverse effects of obesity, why are they and their employers not motivated to do something about it?  This is an extraordinarily complex problem which must be addressed from multiple perspectives to achieve success.  First, people must be educated on the causes of obesity and know that they do not have to be obese.  It is not all "genetics."  Television shows like "The Biggest Loser" have brought this to the forefront.  Once educated about diet, exercise, and the need to have total caloric intake not exceed total caloric demand, people need to have the ability to take action.  This means having the time and money to be able to exercise and eat a well-balanced diet.  Fish costs more money and takes more time to prepare than pasta.  Exercising takes time away from work and family.  Work and family need to support a healthy lifestyle.  People who have grown up and/or currently live in an environment where others are obese may find it more challenging as they lack some of the support systems others take for granted.  Lastly, employers can provide incentives for employees have a healthy lifestyle (and ultimately lose weight) by providing discounts for or contribute towards the cost of a healthclub membership.  In the end, a healthier employee is a more productive employee, regardless of the duration of the person's employment.  Ultimately, the responsibility falls on the individual to take charge of his/her own life.  However, employers can help by providing financial support and flexibility in the work schedule to encourage physical fitness as well as a healthy lifestyle.  In doing so, the company's bottom line and the employee will both be healthier.