Obesity is so common in the United States that nearly half (4 in 10) of American adults live with the condition, which can pose serious health risks and lead to premature death.
Many people living with obesity face discrimination or mistreatment in the workplace.
Employers can help reduce stigma, improve work environments for people with obesity, and ensure benefits cover medically necessary treatments and programs. Supporting obesity treatments can not only improve the health and well-being of employees, but also reduce company healthcare costs.
Employees can also play a role in advocating for their needs and a workplace based on fairness, compassion and respect.
Here’s how to combat obesity and related health insurance coverage in the workplace:
Employers
How to talk about obesity
- Say: People living with obesity.
- Do not say: Obese, fat or overweight people.
How to think about obesity
- Do recognize that obesity is a disease and not a character flaw or lifestyle choice.
- Don’t do it assume that obese workers are unmotivated or lacking in professionalism.
- Do Recognize that for some people, diet and exercise alone are not enough to lose weight. Medication or surgery may be necessary.
How to communicate with employees living with obesity
- Do be respectful, compassionate and open.
- Don’t do it dismiss people’s concerns.
- Don’t do it judging or making fun of people’s experiences or appearance.
What you can do to support obese people
- Don’t do it let employees determine the benefits themselves.
- Do learn details of the company’s coverage for obesity treatment.
- Do advocate for benefits that support people living with obesity:
- Obesity medications
- Diet and Nutrition Programs
- Bariatric surgery
- Prescription digital therapies
- Obesity specialists
- Exercise programs
- Mental health professionals, nutritionists and dietitians
- Don’t do it go it alone. Take advantage of resources for employers:
Employees
How to defend health benefits not covered by insurance
- Tell your employer what coverage would help you manage your illness:
- Obesity medications
- Surgery
- Programs or interventions
- Obesity Care Specialists
Read: Dear Employer: How to Apply for Obesity Care Insurance Coverage
- Calculate your personal expenses. Let your employer know where your health insurance benefits fall short and what it’s costing you.
- Share health care providers’ recommendations for treatments and programs and ask your employer to add them to everyone’s benefits package.
- Find more information you can use to advocate for obesity care coverage:
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