How to begin battling the high cost of obesity-related absenteeism

Business owners are all too aware of the high cost of absenteeism and its relation to productivity.

But did you know that your bottom line is greatly affected by the health of your employees, specifically physical inactivity and obesity? A study done at the Harvard Medical School showed that the direct cost of illness treatment and the indirect cost of lost productivity (absenteeism) accounted for 9.9 percent of national healthcare expenditures.

Specifically, the direct cost of obesity in the United States in 1995 was $70 billion.

This amount of lost productivity has been consistent down to our day with a peak in 2002 of over $90 billion spent on absenteeism due to obesity related illnesses.

Another study showed that obese employees were more than twice as likely to experience high-level absenteeism which amounts to seven or more absences in a six-month period.

Since,more than half of the American population is either obese or overweight, it appears America's weight problem has become a public health concern.Hence, now that we know there is a problem the big question remains,"What can I do to reduce this lost money in productivity?" Tommy G.

Thompson, former secretary of Health and Human Services, says, "We must take responsibility both as individuals and working together to reduce the health toll associated with obesity." The main factors affecting America's waistline are the lack of activity, poor food choices and eating habits.

A simple way to start implementing a healthier atmosphere in the workplace is by you making improvements in what you eat and increasing your activity level.

One common question in the office around lunchtime is "What are you eating?"At first those around you may not think much about your new eating habits.However, over time when they see positive changes in you they will become curious and want to make changes themselves.

Another common question you hear Monday morning is "How was your weekend?"You could tell them about the great time you had hiking or snowshoeing with your family.When your health improves, people notice and they will want to get similar results for themselves.

For many, adopting a healthier lifestyle is not easy.

That's why partnering up with a coworker may be the best option for you.You and a coworker can team up and help each other maintain a regular exercise program and eat healthier throughout the day.

In my experience, I have seen folks achieve amazing results exercising with a friend.

Another idea to include your whole organization is to have regular picnics on the weekends and play co-ed sports such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, etc.Moreover, you may want to have your company play another company to a game of softball.Not only is this a way to get exercise but it's a great way to network.

Daniel Hernandez has been a professional fitness instructor for nine years and is with Fitness Enterprises, 5655 Riggins Court in Reno.

Contact him at (775) 825- 2500.