Employees with obesity are less productive at work. Here’s why.
- Employees with obesity are less productive at work than those with normal weight due to an increased risk of developing diseases.
- Obese employees are more likely to develop weight-related comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease and cancer.
- According to the latest data from Public Health in France, 15.4% of the French adult population is obese, i.e. 7.3 million people.
A new study study presented at the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society shows that employees with obesity are less productive at work than those with normal weight due to an increased risk of developing diseases.
An increased risk of disease
Obese employees are more likely to develop weight-related comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease and cancer. This condition can also cause difficulty performing daily tasks, reduce energy levels and make movement more difficult.
Obese employees may also have lower self-esteem and suffer from greater psychological distress, which may affect their job performance.
719,482 employees assessed
To reach this conclusion, the researchers assessed the career paths of 719,482 employees with and without obesity. Result: the loss of productivity at work increased each time the body mass index (BMI) moved into a higher category (thinness, normal weight, overweight, obesity).
The researchers also found that the costs associated with absenteeism, short- and long-term disability, and workers’ compensation were higher in obese people than in normal-weight people.
Educate employers and employees on the risks of obesity
The results of this study underline the importance of making employers and employees aware of the risks of obesity.
Shraddha Shinde, co-author of the study, adds: “Given the significant influence of obesity on employee health and functioning, as demonstrated by this study, employers should focus on implementing tailored interventions that can improve employee health. people with obesity.
Obesity is a public health problem in France
As in the United States, obesity is a public health problem in France. The number of obese people in France has been steadily increasing in recent years. According to the latest data from Public Health of France, 15.4% of the French adult population is obese, i.e. 7.3 million people.
Obesity affects approximately 42% of the United States population.
