Although most employees understand how to get and stay healthy, they lack correct perceptions of their health and health care programs, according to a new survey from Aon Hewitt, the National Business Group on Health and The Futures Co.

Eighty-seven percent of respondents report being in good health while 23 percent of respondents say they are overweight or obese. Despite this, 53 percent of respondents who say they healthy are considered overweight or obese based on their heights and weights in the body mass index.

"Employees want to be healthy, but many have an overly rosy perception of their health and may not see an urgent need to take action," says Joann Hall Swenson, health engagement leader at Aon Hewitt. "For others, the activities and stresses of daily life take priority over good health, and many consumers are unwilling to make sacrifices to improve their health. Employers can help workers and their families by first arming them with the necessary tools and resources that give them a realistic picture of their health, and then making it easy and convenient for them to make better decisions and participate in the right wellness programs."