Published: August 22, 2008 02:08 pm            

Controlling obesity in the workplace

Submitted by the North Georgia Health District



As Labor Day approaches, the North Georgia Health District is encouraging employers and employees across the region to do what they can to help control obesity in the workplace.

Millions of Americans are fighting the battle against obesity which has reached epidemic proportions in this country. Obesity is a health issue that can result in poor health or fatal health outcomes, staggering health care costs, and reduced workplace productivity. Although obesity goes beyond individual lifestyle choices, employers have an opportunity to enable healthy lifestyle choices by providing a supportive environment in the workplace. This in turn will lead to healthier choices at home and will help in the national fight against obesity.

The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) has created a checklist which provides several steps employers and employees can take to fight obesity.



For Employers

• Encourage the formation of an employee wellness team.

• Provide educational material on the health risks of being overweight. Provide materials on how to eat healthier.

• Post a listing of calories expended for common activities such as walking, swimming, bicycling and running.

• Investigate alternative work schedules to minimize fatigue which can contribute to unhealthy eating habits.

• Consider having at least one casual dress day a week. A recent study found that when employees dressed casually, they were more physically active.

• Encourage the use of stairways instead of elevators by placing signs near the elevator and stairs highlighting the health benefits of stair use. Ensure that stairways are accessible and are properly illuminated.

• Discourage employees from eating at their desks. Even a short walk to the cafeteria/lunch room can be helpful.

• Support physical activity breaks during the work day.

• Allow employees enough time for lunch so that they can walk or use the gym.

• Offer appealing, healthy choices in cafeterias and/or vending machines.

• Provide healthier snacks at meetings and other employee events. For example, serve fruit, popcorn and low-fat yogurt.

• Provide bottled water in the vending areas or cafeteria.

• Consider offering memberships or discounts to health clubs.

• Offer wellness classes on nutrition, exercise and weight management.

• Provide worksite walking paths and bike racks.



For Employees

• Participate in workplace wellness activities and read the educational material provided by your employer.

• If your employer offers employee wellness teams, join the team.

• Carefully read the nutritional and caloric content information on food labels.

• If stressed, do deep breathing exercises and practice these techniques instead of reaching for food.

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking.

• Use the stairs instead of an elevator whenever possible throughout the day.

• If possible, walk or bike to work. If you must drive, park your car in a spot farthest from the entrance to benefit from walking the extra distance.

• During breaks, get up and walk around the office or exercise. There are a variety of exercises that you can do at your desk.

• Walk at lunch – form an office walking club.

• Request healthier food choices be served in the cafeteria and provided in vending machines.

• Make fruit and other low calorie, nutrient rich products your food of choice.

• Make healthier selections at fast food restaurants such as salads with low calorie dressings.

• Drink water instead of soft drinks or other high sugar beverages.

• Utilize health club memberships offered by employers.

• Enroll in exercise, nutrition, and/or weight management classes.

For more information on obesity and healthy choices, please visit:

• American College of Occupational and Environment - www.acoem.org

• Centers for Disease Control - www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/

• About.com - http://pediatrics.about.com/od/obesity/a/0608_prtn_cntl.htm

• American College of Preventive Medicine - www.acpm.org/2002-057(F).htm

        

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