"Employers can improve the overall health of their employees by implementing interventions that focus on improving the behaviors linked to obesity"

For those of us in the workplace wellness industry, it doesn't come as a surprise to learn that obesity and occupation are related. In working with construction companies and law firms and everything in between, we have learned that different populations have different health issues.

The latest Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index (http://www.gallup.com/poll/162359/workers-lack-exercise-linked-obesity.aspx), a survey of more than 139,000 workers aged 18 and older, found that 36.4% of transportation workers had a Body Mass Index (http://www.mayoclinic.org/bmi-calculator/ITT-20084938) over 30. Manufacturing was next on the list with an obesity rate of 29.9%.   Physicians had the lowest rate of obesity overall (which isn’t surprising), but nurses were in the middle of the pack. This is interesting since both occupations are in the same field, but have a very different demographic.

Employers can improve the overall health of their employees by implementing interventions that focus on improving the behaviors linked to obesity that their occupation group struggles with most. So where should an employer start? By helping employees improve on the behavior with the strongest link to obesity -- infrequent exercise (http://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/evaluation/topics/physical-activity.html).  Consider offering a fitness challenge or conducting group walks during lunch time. As an organization, you should also think about designating an area onsite with exercise equipment or offering gym membership discounts to promote physical activity and provide a safe place for employees to work out.

Corporate discounts on gym memberships are very common, are generally low administration for companies and can be a good way for employers of all sizes to provide employees with a wellness benefit in a cost effective manner. Don’t be shy about asking questions about what the gym can offer you as a partner in improving your employees’ health so you can make the most informed decision about which partner to choose.

Sarah Szul

Wellness Client Manager

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