Police Department Focuses on Getting Officers to Lose Weight

Implications: Naturally Police Departments are concerned about the weight of their officers, given the physical nature of the work for those on the beat, but this issue is beginning to be raised in the general employer arena.  For employers to be successful with this type of approach, they need to go beyond such a tightly focused program.

Analysis: Obesity is becoming a major issue for the US health care system, as well as employers and obviously individuals.  Obesity is an obvious area for a police department to focus on, but it is beginning to be addressed by employers in all lines of work.

While is is laudable to focus on weight, there are many factors that influence weight as well as are affected by it.  To truly help their officers the department should focus on a  broader spectrum of issues encompassing wellness and prevention.  As pointed out by the Officers Union there are other issues such as stress that need to be addressed.

These are the beginning signs of a trend focusing on wellness and prevention throughout our society. Companies that focus on these areas will be well poised for the transition of the US Health Care System.