Better Choices Today, Increased Productivity Tomorrow

Help employees start the year off right by giving them lifestyle tools they need to lose weight, increase energy, and decrease stress in 2010.

After all, healthy employees equal a healthier bottom line: Ten years ago, the total direct and indirect cost of obesity on US businesses was an estimated $117 billion, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In 2008, that number increased to $147 billion, and it’s only rising: Researchers from Harvard and the University of Michigan say nearly 45% of the population will be obese by 2020 if the trend continues. (To see how much obesity may be costing your company, use this Obesity Cost Calculator.)

Luckily, you can make difference in your workplace by offering the following actionable tips to employees and management on how to start making better choices that will help decrease the cost of healthcare and absenteeism, and increase earning potential:

Spread the word about portion control. You’d be surprised how many people sit down for lunch and consume more than 2,000 calories—or an entire day’s worth—in just one sitting. Tack up posters and tabletop reminders of what a real portion looks like. Or encourage employees to look around their desk for guidance:

• 1 vegetable serving = the size of a computer mouse
• 1 portion size pancake or waffle = the size of a CD
• Half-cup brown rice = a light bulb
• 1 fruit serving (banana) = the length of a pencil
• 3 ounces of fish = checkbook

Help set realistic goals. Encourage employees to track their weight loss by starting with one pound a week. Food and activity journals have been proven to increase weight loss and help people stay motivated.

Enforce exercise. Sure, it’s cold outside, but just 30 minutes of moderate exercise (a brisk walking pace) can help ward against obesity. Walking is a low-impact and free way to help get employees moving. If walking in or around the grounds of your workplace is not possible, ask the local gym about offering a company discount.

Recommend a lifestyle plan. The word “diet” tends to conjure thoughts of bad tasting food and intense hunger. But a lifestyle diet consisting of whole grains, vegetables, fruit, and low-fat dairy is key to maintaining a healthy BMI. Use this calculator to help determine how many calories should be consumed in a day.

Play exercise matchmaker. Studies show that people who work out with a partner lose more weight: Help your employees pair up for a 30 minute walk at lunch, or organize a group car pool to the gym after work.