It is official; obesity is now the number one health risk for North Americans.
The results of a study conducted between 1993 and 2008 find, “using the QALY measure, increases in disease rates and accelerated deaths caused by obesity skyrocketed almost 130 per cent over the study period.”

Obese individuals are at higher risk for many chronic diseases, which, according to Health Canada include:

•       “hypertension or high blood pressure;
•       coronary heart disease;
•       Type 2 diabetes;
•       stroke;
•       gallbladder disease;
•       osteoarthritis;
•       sleep apnea and other breathing problems;
•       some cancers such as breast, colon and endometrial cancer; and
•       mental health problems, such as low self-esteem and depression.”

Furthermore, Health Canada warns, “Obesity is one of the leading factors in heart disease and stroke, as well as in Type 2 diabetes, which affects an estimated 1.8 million Canadians.”

The personal and financial costs of these diseases can be staggering. Yet, the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends, “Disease prevention is the fastest way to reduce overall health-care costs.”

For business—suggests the Public Health Agency--an investment in employee wellness can contribute towards:

•       “Reduced turnover;
•       Increased employee satisfaction/morale;
•       Reduced rates of absenteeism, particularly incidental rates of absenteeism;
•       Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease;
•       Reduced number of musculoskeletal injuries;
•       Reduced health-care claims;
•       Increased organizational effectiveness; and
•       Less stress-related illness.”

The key to a successful program is maximum employee participation. As Debbie McGrath outlined in her webcast yesterday with Klaus Schwanbeck, employees are more motivated when a program is fun and participants can support each other's efforts. Recent research confirms the importance of this social component of exercise. Alex Hutchinson of The Globe and Mail writes, “New research suggests that group exercise unleashes a flood of chemicals in the brain, triggering the same responses that have made collective activities from dancing and laughter to religion itself such enduring aspects of human culture.” These effects are not relevant for everyone, but do apply for a significant percentage of the population.

References:

Health Canada. "Obesity – It’s Your Health." [www.hr-sc.gc.ca]. December 15, 2006.

Hutchinson, Alex. "Why do workout buddies make exercising more addictive?” The Globe and Mail. [www.theglobeandmail.com]. January 7, 2010.

Public Health Agency of Canada. "Business Case Studies and Template." [www.publichealth.gc.ca]. December 17, 2007.