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Obesity: The Next New Workers' Comp Concern?

The rising number of overweight and obese individuals is starting to concern workers' compensation experts who fear the physical conditions could start significantly increasing medical and indemnity

By Sharon K. Moorhead | Updated on April 30, 2006

The rising number of overweight and obese individuals is starting to concern workers’ compensation experts who fear the physical conditions could start significantly increasing medical and indemnity costs. Experts say that while there is little data to form cost estimates, employers should start taking proactive approaches to improving the health of overweight workers. One key piece of advice, offered by experts, is predicated on changing the perception of obesity to emphasize its health effects as opposed to blaming the condition on the individual. Other recommendations call for employers to promote a healthy work environment by encouraging physical activity.

Obesity is quickly becoming one of the top health concerns in the country as the lack of physical exercise and poor diets have increased the number of overweight adults and children. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), roughly 300,000 deaths annually are attributed to negative health effects stemming from obesity as compared to 400,000 deaths linked to cigarette smoking. Health officials estimated some 61 percent of all U.S. citizens were overweight, along with 13 percent of children. The total direct and indirect costs from the physical condition were estimated to reach $117 billion in 2000.

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