Costs vs benefits of obesity interventions
Take Home Messages:
The benefits to employers of having a healthy workforce outweigh the costs involved in setting up a health promotion program. Employees participating in such programs have shown improved overall health, with savings seen in work productivity and reduced work absenteeism due to sickness. A healthy workforce means higher levels of productivity and less obesity related illness.
Why the study matters:
Obesity is recognised as a national epidemic. It is linked to many health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. This places a significant burden on society and employers.
Obesity is associated with greater absenteeism from work, reduced productivity and higher short term disability.
The good news is that people who lose even a small amount of weight can improve their overall health and wellbeing.
What the study involved:
The researchers tested whether the American Specialty Health Inc (ASH) reduced health risks in overweight participants. A special statistical calculation was used to evaluate financial savings.
The ASH 'HealthyRoads' program consisted of:
- A personal health coach;
- Written materials to support coaching sessions;
- Exercise planning support;
- Nutrition education; and
- Web-based programs to track health changes.
A total of 890 obese employers were studied over one year. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire at the start and end of the study.
Health factors measured were:
- Height and weight;
- Blood pressure;
- Total cholesterol and glucose;
- Physical activity;
- Eating habits;
- Stress;
- Depression; and
- Alcohol and tobacco use.
Summary of study findings:
Program participants experienced:
- Loss of weight;
- Lower blood pressure and sugar levels;
- Decreased stress levels;
- Improved diet; and
- Improved physical activity.
The statistical model showed reductions in total health costs and improvements in productivity.
However, alcohol consumption actually increased, and no changes were seen in depression or smoking behaviour.
Original research:
Using a return-on-investment estimation model to evaluate outcomes from an obesity management work site health promotion program
Baker KM, Goetzel RZ, Pei X, Weiss AJ, Bowen J, Tabrizi MJ, Nelson CF, Metz RD, Pelletier KR, Thompson E.
J Occup Environ Med. 2008 Sep;50(9):981-90