Twenty-four employees, grouped into teams based on their BMI, lost more than 400 pounds in 12 weeks. While individuals worked their own weight-loss plans, success was measured by a team's total weight loss. The "losers" weighed in and gathered for a salad bar lunch once a week. The team that lost the most weight that week took home a pedometer, water bottle or other fitness-oriented prize.

Unexpected Gain
The BMI-centric team assignments brought together people whose paths did not normally cross at their jobs at TMS. "People who had seen each other at work but never really talked to each other ended up on the same team," said Baez. "Teams united entry-level staffers with senior managers. We all gained new insight into the various jobs we do and a greater appreciation for each other. It wound up being a great team-building exercise."

TMS colleagues started working out and grocery shopping together. Weight loss tips and information on foods that rev the metabolism began flying across the e-mail system.

The program was so successful that the company started a second 12-week program in May. This time, points were assigned to each half-hour of exercise logged by a team member. The team with the highest number of exercise points deducts a pound off their weekly weight loss, enabling people who are close to their goal weight to still contribute to their team's progress.

"Our 'Biggest Loser' program is a total winner," said Glennon. "Our employees are leaner and have become a much tighter group."

Glennon, who has lost more than 65 pounds since the beginning of the year, noted that the program heightened awareness of obesity in managing claims. "Weight is such a huge factor in selecting rehabilitation and other medical-related equipment. Most equipment is designed to support only 250 pounds. After that, you need to look at specialty equipment to safely accommodate patients' needs," he said.

In addition, obese surgical patients are at higher risk for blood clot formation and may not have the stamina to participate fully in a recovery program to return to work or even functional independence. Diabetes, a common co-morbidity, interferes with wound healing. "A wound in the lower extremity of a normal-weight individual will usually heal nicely in a matter of weeks and the employee can return to work fairly quickly," said Glennon. "A similar wound in an obese person can turn south and become complex and expensive. It's not uncommon for these claims to drag on for five or six months, even longer." Additionally, with obese claimants, payers need to set higher reserves to accommodate longer recovery times and the increased expenses.

Employers who need an extra incentive to launch wellness programs should consider the impact of obesity on workers' compensation claims. Frequency, duration and costs are at least twice as high as for recommended-weight employees. Remember, a fit employee gets hurt less often than an obese person and recovers twice as quickly.

Cara Barde is president of Total Medical Solutions. www.newtms.com.