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Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Advisor

Dr. Thomas Colletti

Abstract

This research aims to examine how obesity affects work productivity and performance and how companies can support their employees diagnosed with obesity. Obesity is a growing global health concern that has significant implications for decreased workplace productivity and performance. Obesity is considered a chronic complex disease often associated with hypertension (HTN), type-II diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and heart disease that can lead to overall increases in healthcare costs for employers through increased absenteeism, presenteeism, and decreased efficiency. A systemic literature search was completed using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, identifying multiple journal articles about obesity and productivity in the workplace setting. This paper explores how obesity affects work performance and productivity, including physical and cognitive impairments, increased healthcare costs, and workplace discrimination.

Additionally, the paper discusses employer-led interventions, wellness events, and programs that employers can use to enhance employee health and mitigate obesity in the workplace. Since obesity can be a contentious topic, companies will face challenges when implementing obesity-related educational programs. Other challenges employers encounter are medication availability and treatment costs. However, if companies can find a way to work through these challenges, they can support their employees by providing education and possible onsite treatments for obesity. By implementing a structured wellness program, employers can enhance employee health, improve productivity and performance, and reduce healthcare costs, ultimately fostering a more effective workplace.

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