How much is the UK obesity problem costing your business?

Think of any really successful businessman or entrepreneur and whilst non might not be the most athletic of individual, it is unlikely that you will be able to think of many that are overweight or obese. Obviously, there are exceptions to the rule, but in the main, success and being fat don't make good bed fellows.

Successful people need enormous energy to maintain their busy working lives and long work hours and this can only be achieved through a healthy diet and exercise. Successful people don't take regular days off from work because of illness nor do they suffer from depression or backache which all tend to be weight related.

OBESE STAFF

However, the further down the work ladder you look, the more the problem of obesity and health related issues increase. Millions of working days and billions of pounds are lost by UK businesses every year due to employing overweight staff. Obesity and being overweight can be linked directly to a multitude of physical and mental health issues and is the single, largest overhead cost of any business.

Obesity is not just a social problem; it is a major employment issue that is getting worse every year and if you are employing staff who are overweight or obese, you are employing a potential problem.

Any member of staff who is overweight and or eating an unhealthy diet is more likely to be slower, have less energy and suffer from physical and mental problems. Whilst, staff who are fit and slim are less likely to take time off work, suffer from fatigue or backache.

Whilst the government is taking action to try and curb childhood obesity and educate adults about healthier lifestyles, little is being done by businesses to address this problem.

In fact, whilst the government has taken steps to address childhood obesity by changing school menus, businesses continue to provide canteen junk food and dispensing machines distributing high cholesterol snacks and high sugar and caffeine drinks.

LOST WORKING DAYS

Research shows that the work rate and production of the average worker drops 19% after lunch. A frightening statistic, equivalent to almost half a day a week, (5 weeks a year) that is costing business an estimated 28 billion pounds a year. This is on top of the estimated 32 billion pounds a year in lost working days because of illness or depression due to bad diet and obesity.

Anyone eating an unhealthy lunch is likely to feel lethargic, even tired, have less energy or even feel low or depressed for up to 2 hours. The enthusiasm and energy needed to continue working at optimum output has been sapped rather than topped up.

However, in France where the French, who are reputed to be the thinnest nation in Europe, eat a substantial lunch, the work rate and production goes up by 4% after lunch. This is despite the average Frenchman having an average of 1½ glasses of wine with his three or four course lunch.

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