How weight loss impacts your bottom line

It is no question that America has a problem with obesity. About 40-50 percent of all Americans are overweight and most of them are considered obese. Obesity raises health insurance costs and costs employers $13 billion yearly in lost production costs, workers comp, and production costs. To combat obesity, several companies have started to fight back. Companies deserve to receive 100 percent out of every employee they have on staff. They deserve to make money on the people they have invested their time and money into.

If you are like other employers, you may be looking for a solution to the weight problems in your office. Reducing excess costs directly related to obesity are easier to do than you might think, here are some easy tips on how to promote weight loss in your office and improve your bottom line:

Tip # 1 - Change the food
Why do people gain weight? Normally it is directly related to the food they are consuming. If you have vending machines that are filled with unhealthy snacks like candy bars, potato chips, and soda pops, replace them with healthier options. Most employees don't know it, but caffeine starts to break down your bone density; especially if you are consuming more than 2 sodas or 2 cups of coffee each day.

By removing the temptation of unhealthy foods in the office, you may help some people drop a few pounds. You can also talk to each of your employees about healthier eating options. Never encourage your employees to run to McDonald's or Burger King for lunch; always encourage people to bring their own food to work. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich may not taste as good as a cheeseburger, but it is a lot healthier. The peanut butter is also better for your body and will increase your energy.

Instead of potato chips and candy bars, fill the machine up with granola bars and fruit chips. The employees that like to snack out of comfort will not have a choice but to eat the new healthy food. If you have a cafeteria, start offering healthier selections like chicken salad and sandwiches.

Tip # 2 - Make time for exercise
Start offering yoga classes during the middle of the day. The employees should be able to get at least 20-30 minutes of physical exercise during their work hours. Make the exercise routine mandatory for employees. This will help to get some of the lazy employees off their chairs and onto to the yoga mat. There are other exercises you can offer during work hours that don't include a change of clothing; this is simple activities like walking or hiking. Putting in a small walking trail around your office can really get your employees outside where they will get some fresh air, Vitamin D from the sun, and some exercise.

When you offer on-site exercises for your employees, they will actually participate in them. If people know they can have 30 minutes a day to exercise or sit at their desk, most of them will opt for exercising. The average American wants to get in shape and improve their health. Encouraging exercise at the office is one of the best ways to help your employees get in shape and improve their health.

Tip # 3 - Ground Rules
If you have unhealthy employees at your office, tell them how much money they are actually costing the company. A lot of people don't realize that their lifestyle choices are actually costing their employer millions of dollars. You can even try threatening your employees with larger health care premiums that will be taken from their check if they refuse to get healthy.