Weight loss offers significantly significant savings for obese employees with weight-related conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, mental health disorders, arthritis and back pain.
Although it seems logical that weight loss would lower medical expenses for populations with chronic conditions, this correlation has been poorly understood. In a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, researchers analyzed savings associated with weight loss among commercially insured adults with chronic medical conditions.
This study has important implications for both individuals and employers. The age-adjusted prevalence of obesity among U.S. adults was more than 42% in 2018. Obesity is a significant risk factor for several common and costly chronic medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and depression. The estimated annual medical cost of obesity in the United States was $147 billion in 2008.
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