Obesity in the Workplace: Impact, Outcomes, and Recommendations

J Occup Environ Med. 2018 Jan;60(1):97-107. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001220.

Abstract

Objective: To conduct a comprehensive literature review to develop recommendations for managing obesity among workers to improve health outcomes and to explore the impact of obesity on health costs to determine whether a case can be made for surgical interventions and insurance coverage.

Methods: We searched PubMed from 2011 to 2016, and CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane Registry of Clinical Trials for interventions addressing obesity in the workplace.

Results: A total of 1419 articles were screened, resulting in 275 articles being included. Several areas were identified that require more research and investigation.

Conclusions: Our findings support the use of both lifestyle modification and bariatric surgery to assist appropriate patients in losing weight.

Publication types

  • Practice Guideline
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Bariatric Surgery / economics
  • Health Care Costs
  • Humans
  • Insurance Coverage*
  • Insurance, Health*
  • Life Style
  • Obesity / economics
  • Obesity / etiology
  • Obesity / therapy*
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Occupational Health / standards*
  • Safety*
  • Workplace