Health Handouts : Employee Wellness Program Ideas: Weight Management

Weight management is a primary area of both employee interest and need. Body Mass Index (BMI) is the clinical measure that indicates whether individuals are in a healthy weight range or are overweight or obese. The BMI is a measure of a person’s overall height to their overall weight. Height and weight are measured during the Healthy Benefits assessment. A computer mathematical calculation supports the BMI score. Gordian health management programs are available for Healthy Benefits participants who qualify based on their BMI score, and who are interested in a weight management program.

Ideas for worksite based weight management programs include:
• Have Weight Watchers, TOPS, or other reputable weight management groups meet in your workplace or nearby. Offer such groups before/after work or at lunchtime. Employee attendance is generally better if workers can attend either wholly or partially on work time. Break times may be rolled into lunch break times to minimize employee time away from work duties (with management approval). workers usually pay their own fees for class attendance and supporting materials.
• If the wellness program offers incentives based on participation, award a completion gift when employee has attended a certain number of weight management sessions or activities.
• Supply information regarding community weight management groups.
• Incentives such as cash, tee shirts, plaques, certificates, hours/days off, names on bulletin boards can be given to individuals who write a weight loss contract and meet their objective.
• Establish a workplace commitment to offer alternative healthy snacks at organization-sponsored gatherings. Healthy snacks such as fruit, pretzels, plain popcorn, almonds, and veggies provide demonstration as to the employer’s commitment to health and employee well being.