New findings from benefits consulting firm Locktonshow even though companies can reduce overall risk and cost ofemployee health benefit plans through wellness initiatives, theseprograms may not be enough to combat obesity.

"The impact of being overweight or obese carries forward intothe workplace in terms of productivity, fitness to work, and theimpact of illnesses related to weight," says Ian Chuang, M.D.,senior vice president and medical director for Lockton BenefitGroup, and author of the report, The Obesity Crisis and Its HealthRisk Management Options.

"When you consider the workplace is where employees spend up toa third of their days, it is clear employers have an opportunity toindirectly influence employees through programs that promotehealthy choices and behaviors," Chuang adds.

Companies that want to help morbidly obeseemployees can consider offering an Optimal Bariatric SurgeryPlan Benefit, according to Lockton. Though it won't ensurelong-term weight loss, bariatric surgery has shown to be aneffective treatment option for patients who are dedicated to alifelong weight management strategy.

The report notes that "bariatric surgery is only effective ifthe patient complies with all recommended pre- and post-optreatment plans (the surgery doesn't remove any weight; it makes iteasier to reduce weight). The individual must have demonstratedsome success in losing weight through diet and exercise, but failedto achieve enough weight loss to further reduce the effects ofmorbid obesity."

BY THE NUMBERS:

• About 74 percent of the adult U.S. population (age 20 years andolder) is either overweight or obese
• Medical costs associated with obesity are estimated at $168.4billion per year
• The increase in obesity prevalence accounts for 12 percent ofthe growth in healthcare spending