THE LOOMING CRISIS UNDERSTANDING THE GLOBAL IMPACT OF OBESITY ON WORKPLACE PRODUCTIVITY

The World Obesity Atlas 2023, published by the World Obesity Federation predicts that the majority of the global population i.e. 51 per cent will be either overweight or obese by 2035 if there's no change in the current trends.

The global impact will reach $4.32 trillion annually by 2035 if there's no improvement in prevention and treatment measures.

In another study at ENDO 2023, the Endocrine Society's annual conference in Chicago, Illinois, obese people may be less productive at work due to increased risk of sickness.

HOW OBESITY AFFECTS WORKPLACE PRODUCTIVITY?

The consequences of obesity are infinite. It leads to cardiovascular diseases, asthma, breathlessness, musculoskeletal problems, daytime sleepiness, respiratory diseases, depression, hypertension, fatigue and psychological problems.

Overweight workers at the workplace are more likely to have lower productivity and more injuries, therefore leading to loss of work. But how exactly?

Employers incur $153 billion in losses every year due to employee obesity and other chronic health issues. These costs include paying sick leaves, lost revenue due to illness, insurance costs and more.

INCREASED INJURIES AND ILLNESSES 

An overweight or obese employee would face difficulty in carrying out physical work, which includes flexibility and mobility. This limits the worker from doing certain types of duties which a healthy worker would be able to do easily.

Think of a manufacturing company where employees are responsible for moving heavy machines and equipment. Person A, who maintains a healthy weight will easily manoeuvre around the factory, lifting heavy loads without much difficulty. On the other hand, Person B, who struggles with obesity will find it extremely challenging to perform tasks that require physical exertion. Person B will take a longer time to complete the same task which Person A can do effortlessly.

Furthermore, Person B is prone to the risk of workplace accidents or musculoskeletal injuries.