Fat Workers Costly to Employers

A Duke University study found that overweight workers are involved in more work related injuries than their slimmer, more fit co-workers by an almost 2 to 1 margin. These Duke researchers found that overweight employees had 13 times more lost work days because of work related injuries, and these employees medical claims were 7 times higher than co-workers deemed to be in better shape. The overweight employee was more likely to suffer from back, wrist, arm, neck, shoulder, hip, knee and foot than other employees. The Duke research team studied 11,728 people employed by Duke and its health system over the last 8 years. The results of this study found the higher an employees BMI, body mass index, the more likely this employee would have in filing a workers compensation claim. This study indicates a higher BMI-40 or more-would lead an overweight employee to lose more work days when compared to an employee who is not considered overweight. A 6 foot tall man weighing 300 pounds is an example of a person with a BMI of 40 or more. These Duke researchers are hoping this study will lead employers to offer more programs that promote a healthy lifestyle. The Duke researchers also worry this study may lead to employers discriminating more against overweight employees because of the higher risks and costs associated with having an overweight person at work. John Cawley, an expert in the economics of obesity at Cornell University, cautions people to carefully review this study because a persons BMI does not take into account a persons muscle mass. For example, a body builder may have a higher BMI than a couch potato because the body builder has more, and more thicker, muscles than your average couch potato. Employers are always looking for ways to 'cut the fat' from their companies bottom line, so investing in get-well and stay-fit programs may be one way an employer can make his companies bottom line look more healthy.