Why Obesity Treatment
Is No Longer A Treatment
Option
Recent published research indicates that individuals with a
body mass index (BMI) above 40 are robbed of 6 ½ years of life. Those higher can lose as much
as 14 years. This is complicated by the fact that morbidity ( problems from obesity) decreases the quality of life
and enjoyment as the BMI moves over 30 and climbs. Not only is there death and
disability but each year people over BMI 30 spend $3,500 more each year on
health care and related items and at BMI of 35 this reaches $6000. This is a
big problem for individuals and companies
Let us examine the company first. How does treating obesity
through your company wellness program
help your employees and your organization? The current health care regulations
allow Participatory and Health Contingent Programs . Health Contingent Programs can have penalties
or benefits up to 30% of premiums for employee cost only. ERISA indicates
that everyone must be involved and it
must be outcome based or participation activity. Smoking is up to 50% benefit
or penalty. The benefits may be gift cards, discounts on premiums, waived
co-payments.
Weight Loss for those with excess weight is the only
intervention that yields immediate results. Tobacco cessation although
commendable will not benefit for years and weight loss is immediately
associated with decreased individual and corporate expense as well as decreased
medication costs for the individual and more engagement in life and work.
Those companies that are self insured and insurers are only
3rd party administrators have more freedom to create unique and
effective programs. Using an expanded HSAs or FSAs is a simple method of reward.
The number one way to lose weight is with initial meal
replacement coupled with weekly coaching / education and a maintenance program
once the desired weight is reached ( usually < than 30 BMI)).
Secondly let us examine the cost. All too often people and companies complain
that they cannot afford weight loss. They really cannot afford to NOT have
weight loss in their wellness program for weight loss is the ONLY way to
realize immediate results and profitability to employee and employer.
Chasing the American Dream is a book that helps address the cost of
entering a diet program. A moderate grocery plan for an individual is listed at
$3200/ year ($264/ month). Really on the
low side if you talk to the person on the street. Eating out at restaurants is listed at $960
per year ( $80/ month) .
Eating lunch each day for $8 is $40 per week ($160 /month). Insurance and out of pocket
expenses are $2500 per year ($208/month) People who are age 50 or greater often
have 4 doctors and 5 medications which can be reduced by weight loss as little
as 10%. Cable, satellite, internet and cellphone is $780 per year ( $65/
month).
If your BMI is greater than 30 you can expect $250/ month
more in copays, medications and treatments
If your BMI is greater than 35 you can expect $542/ month
more in copays, medications and treatments.
If one adds groceries, restaurants and lunches the monthly
food is $514. If the Insurance out of pocket is added you have $722 dollars per month. The BMI costs will be ignored for now. By
recognizing that when you go on meal replacement (the most effective) and
coaching prgrams you have the greatest success. This coupled with weekly
physician/NP visits is essential to your success and sustainability.
Soooo, taking a look at the Obesity issue, it is the only
intervention medically that can yield immediate ROI to the individual and the
company. All other wellness programs are commendable but return is delayed for
years and might never be realized in your company.
