Although U.S. employers are stepping up their efforts to fight workplace obesity, much progress could still be made, and more tools and resources are needed, particularly among small- and mid-size organizations, according to a survey by the National Business Coalition on Health in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Safety Council.

The survey finds that obesity prevention and weight management are most effective when they are included in an overall wellness and health promotion program, and all levels of leadership should work together to make changes. Employers are lacking information regarding how obesity impacts employee safety as well as other related health conditions and the corresponding cost burden.

Respondents report that they are now investing in obesity prevention. Among respondents that are not investing, they are interested in what they might do, how to do it and how to measure success. Distinguishing a relationship between safety and wellness is also an important component to addressing a healthy work force, the study notes.