Slim Down Your Expenses by Helping Your Employees Stay Fit
By Allstate Benefits
Last updated: February 2025
One of the largest contributors to poor health and premature death is obesity. Simply put, obesity is an excessive amount of body fat that leads to an increased risk for many chronic health conditions. The good news is that most overweight people want to increase their fitness and there are effective ways that caring employers can support employees in achieving that goal.
The demand for weight-loss help is growing
Most overweight people know they will look and feel healthier if they shed some pounds. A recent Gallup survey shows that 41% of Americans self-report that they are overweight and about 55% report wanting to lose weight. Women are much more likely than men to express that desire.
This has led to a growing demand for weight-loss programs. In 2019, the weight-loss industry was valued at $192 billion. That valuation is projected to top $295 billion by 2027.
Since many of your employees spend a significant portion of their day at work, it makes sense that adopting healthier habits in the workplace can make a difference. Today, most companies recognize the value of helping their employees do just that. In 2019, 88% of companies with 200 or more employees offered a workplace wellness program.
What can employers do to help their employees get fit?
You don't need a fat bank account to help your employees live a healthier life. Get creative. Even small companies with tight budgets can organize healthy work events with minimal expense and time commitment. You may find that the following suggestions also boost your company's morale:
- Provide healthier food choices in vending machines, cafeterias, and during catered meetings and events.
- Share simple and healthy recipes in your employee newsletter.
- Hold walking meetings.
- Subsidize memberships to local gyms or fitness centers.
- Provide secure parking locations for bicycles.
- Offer a wellness program that educates employees about the benefits of healthy lifestyle choices and incentivizes fitness activities.
- Organize "green lunches." Employees sign up to bring ingredients for a salad bar and enjoy the meal together.
- Reward employees who walk or work out on their lunch hours with dress-down Fridays, a slightly longer lunch hour, or points that can be collected and redeemed for a gift card.
- Sponsor on-site weight-loss programs such as Weight Watchers.
- Provide standing desks.
- Provide shower or locker room facilities.
What can employers do to help their employees get fit?
Offering quality health benefits makes a big difference. Health providers can offer resources such as nutrition counseling and exercise programs that will help your employees in their quest to lose weight.
The Vitality wellness program, which can be added to your self-funded plan, educates your employees about health topics and encourages participation in healthy activities. It encourages healthy habits that can have a permanent impact on your employees' lives. In fact, 90% of members say Vitality has made them more aware of their health. In addition, members who are highly engaged in the Vitality program reduce their claims by up to 19%.
Call your Allstate Benefits – Group Health sales consultant to learn more about how our health, dental and wellness options can help reduce your benefits costs and keep your employees healthier.