DIET AND WEIGHT LOSS

Diet adherence and weight control are not conducted for aesthetic reasons alone.  Extra girth contributes to the development of diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, cancer and more.  That means increased claims.  The total cost each year to treat obesity-related conditions is $117 billion.

Starting small can help in huge ways.  Even a 10% weight loss can make a huge difference in a person’s health.  It’s no secret that our nation faces an obesity crisis, but where do we turn for the cure?

Some choose to enlist Atkins, South Beach, Zone or Grapefruit - all diets that claim to help us shed unwanted pounds.  But temptations abound, and that next office donut is always right around the corner.  That’s where a sound wellness plan can make all the difference.

Telephonic or online coaching is a system whereby a trained individual counsels a person about his/her diet and weight goals via the telephone or email.  Companies are choosing this wellness model because of the convenience; employees may email or phone their “coaches” during free time, and can enjoy the benefits that come with having a “champion for health” in their corner.

Face-to-face coaching is another option.  Coaches travel to the workplace and sit down with employees, one-on-one, discussing any diet and exercise questions they may have and charting their progress.

When it comes to your employees, knowing their needs is the first step to crafting an effective wellness program.  By using a quality HRA and surveying employees to discover their risk factors, it’s simple to choose the right medium by which to help them learn about eating healthy foods and controlling their weight.

When the number on the scale goes down, so do absenteeism and your potential claims.