Press Releases
Thank you for visiting the Retrofit Newsroom and Press Kit. The assets available here are intended for use by members of the media for the purpose of reporting news about Retrofit in articles, broadcasts, blogs and online press.
Media inquiries contact:
Jennifer Zeidler
Vice President,
Corporate Communications
o: 855.4.RETROFIT x776
jenniferz@retrofitme.com
Businesses Have a Significant Stake in the Weight Management of Their Workforce
Experts: A Ten Percent Change in Weight Can Lead to Greater U.S. Productivity and Reduced Costs
Skokie, Ill. – (December 21, 2011) - Authors of a new white paper released today say that costs in the American workplace can be reduced significantly through a 10% weight loss for overweight and obese employees. The paper also revealed some misconceptions about the cost of obesity in the workplace. It cited results from a recent Caravan survey, which found that 53% of those surveyed believe that obese employees are "as equally productive" as employees who maintain a healthy weight.
The new white paper was commissioned by RETROFIT, the company dedicated to long-term weight loss. Experts who contributed to the article underscored significant benefits are gained from an achievable 10% reduction in body weight.
"Studies show that employees who are overweight or obese incur more medical costs than those employees who maintain healthy weight levels, even if both sets of employees have low rates of absenteeism. We have seen strong evidence that a 10% weight loss brings about significant health benefits, and would expect to see reduced related health costs in the workplace," said Dr. Robert Kushner, Clinical Director of the Northwestern Comprehensive Center on Obesity in Chicago, IL, and a member of RETROFIT's advisory board.
"Offering weight management as part of overall wellness programs with a focus on gains in health is an excellent investment for both the company and the individual." Dr. Kushner notes many studies indicate that even small weight losses have a disproportionately positive effect on improving people's health and significantly reduce their risks for a wide range of illnesses. He said such a weight loss can be brought about by making a complete lifestyle change.
"Short term diets don't work. In fact, 95% of people who lose weight put it right back on within 12 months. It takes time to impart good behaviors and make them stick," he says. "It is therefore vital to lose weight by establishing long term healthy patterns of behavior. Any weight management plan should include an extended maintenance phase to ensure people have the skills and tools necessary to successfully maintain reduced weight for life."
Many American companies already offer health maintenance programs. Including weight loss programs for individuals with an emphasis on long-term sustainable results is likely to yield significant benefit for both companies and their employees.
