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Employee Obesity may Impact Workers Compensation Claims

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According to the Yale University Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, “obesity exacts a tremendous price on overweight individuals, leading to serious chronic health conditions, disability and psychological suffering.” Obesity has contributed to increased healthcare expenses, disability payments through group health insurance plans, and may possibly increase claims on your NJ workers compensation insurance.

The Rudd Center has compiled some sobering statistics relating to obesity.

  • Obesity-related healthcare costs average 30 percent more than healthcare costs for normal weight individuals.
  • Overall economic costs related to obesity exceed $100 billion annually.
  • Obesity accounts for 6 to 10 percent of U.S. healthcare spending.
  • Medical costs associated with obesity fall disproportionately on public healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid, draining their resources.

Further research conducted by the Rudd Center has shown that obese workers tend to miss more days of work. They account for a higher percentage of group medical, disability and workers’ compensation claims. Additionally, obese people face hiring discrimination as employers may be concerned insurance premiums may go up due to health problems, like diabetes and heart disease, associated with obesity.

You may want to consider educating your workforce on healthy eating habits and exercise. It may be wise to offer healthier snacks in your break room as well. Anything you can do to encourage your employees to live healthier lifestyles may result in a healthier workforce at your company with fewer NJ workers compensation insurance claims.*

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