Obese Employees Cost U.S. Employers $45 Billion Annually in Medical Costs & Lost Work

OPEN MINDS On-Line News Strategic Health Care News Obese employees cost U.S. private employers an estimated $45 billion each year in medical expenditures and lost work. Obesity is associated with a 36% increase in healthcare spending, more than smoking or alcoholism. Nearly 34% of Americans fit the definition of obese. More than 40% of U.S. companies have implemented obesity-reduction programs and another 24% say they plan to do so in 2008. These programs can yield a return on investment ranging from nothing to as much as $5 for every $1 invested. These are the findings of . . .