Extra weight can lead to health complications such as diabetes and stroke.
A number of major companies have recognized the value of helping their employees to lose excess weight. Overweight employees can cost their employers up to twice as much to insure as employees that are of normal weight. As a result, some companies have joined the weight-loss crusade and are paying for programs that are designed to help employees drop the extra pounds and live a healthier lifestyle.
Total Medical Solutions
Total Medical Solutions, which specializes in workers' compensation care, has made weight loss and healthy living a priority in its corporate structure. The company, based in Sanford, Fla., started its own company-wide version of the TV show "The Biggest Loser." Employees attend weight-loss meetings that encourage exercise and healthy eating and that have been paid for by the company. Employees weight in weekly to see how much weight they have gained or lost, and the results are shared with the group. The employee that loses the most weight at the end of each 12-week period wins $150, in addition to having a healthier physique.
Total Medical Solutions
1270 Upsala Road
Sanford, FL 32771
407-330-6138
newtms.com
Liz Claiborn Inc.
Liz Claiborn Inc., a New York-based company known for its fashion designs, has implemented a company-wide program to assist employees with weight loss and obtaining a more health-conscious lifestyle. The company, which employs more than 6,000 employees worldwide, sponsors weight-loss programs such as Weight Watchers at Work. These programs are aimed at providing instruction on topics such as portion control, the difference between good carbohydrates and carbs you should avoid, and the importance of a low-fat diet. Liz Claiborne implemented the program to help reduce health-related employee absenteeism and to help reduce the cost of employer sponsored healthcare claims.
Liz Claiborn Inc.
1441 Broadway
New York, NY 10018
212-354-4900
lizclaiborneinc.com
Rodale Press Inc.
Rodale Press Inc. may know better than many other companies the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle and encouraging good eating habits. The California-based company, which is the publisher of magazines such as Women's Health, Prevention and Biker's World, has developed a company-based weight-loss program designed to improve the health of its employees and to lower the cost of the company-sponsored healthcare programs. Rondale Press's more than 1,000 employees are encouraged to participate in company-paid healthcare seminars that encourage healthy eating and exercise and that instruct employees on create tasty, low-calorie dishes in order to lose weight.
Rodale Press Inc.
2101 Rosecrans Ave.
El Segundo, CA 90245
310-615-4567
rodaleinc.com
