Weighing In: New Considerations for Addressing Employee Nutrition and Obesity in the 21st Century Workplace

Although weight management has been on the national public health agenda for decades, prevalence of the condition continues to grow, with over 70% of U.S. adults being overweight or obese today. Recognizing that healthy eating is a significant contributor to the health risk status and well-being of employees, the St. Louis Area Business Health Coalition, with support from the American Heart Association, has made workplace nutrition and obesity prevention a key priority for 2018. To better understand the types of nutrition and weight management programs offered in St. Louis workplaces, a survey was conducted to provide a benchmark for current trends and to create new resources to aid companies in encouraging healthy eating and weight management among employees. This session will provide an overview of survey results, key successes and barriers identified among employers, and emerging best practices for addressing employee nutrition and obesity in the workplace.