COVID-19, Obesity, and the Path Forward for Employers

By Murray L. Harber

We have explored over the past few issues the needs of employers to offer a comprehensive approach to obesity prevention and management as this chronic disease and its co-morbidities increase risk and cost to both the employee and the employer. We have learned during the current COVID-19 pandemic that individuals who are obese have even greater risks, increased costs, and are more susceptible to death. Employers must pivot and expand their offerings to support employees with not only lifestyle resources and support but also with access to effective condition management programs and other health services.   

OBESITY AND COVID-19

During the past 18 months, we have discovered so much about the effects of COVID-19 on individuals especially those who have chronic conditions, unhealthy lifestyles, as well as those people of certain racial and ethnic minorities. Social inequities and those that are dissappropriately effected are also at greater risk of these severe illness issues. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that individuals who are obese are at increased risk of severe illness and have triple the risk for hospitalizations if they contract the COVID-19 coronavirus. Those who live with obesity already have risks such as impaired immune function and decrease lung capacity and reserve which can make ventilation more difficult. Kompaniyets et al found that patients with increased BMI are at higher risk of hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, invasive mechanical ventilation, and death. Older adults are also more likely to get severely ill as more than 80% of COVID-19  deaths occur in people older than 45. 

When looking at racial and ethnic disparities, the CDC reports that non-Hispanic Black adults (39.8%) and Hispanic adults (33.8%) have higher rates of obesity than non-Hispanic White adults (29.9%). These populations are more likely to have worse outcomes from COVID-19.

Engaging these higher risk populations into preventive lifestyles and effective condition management programs is a must if we are to minimize the risk for the negative consequences of COVID-19. These groups should also focus their intention to want to live a healthier lifestyle and manage their specific conditions for optimal health improvement. 

EMPLOYER INVESTMENTS 

Employers are investing more time, effort, and energy into health protection as they work through the pandemic and as they are considering issues around return to work, vaccinations, and employer health benefits. Health benefits planning and implementation have been stalled for a year or so and now is the time for employers to consider more pro-active approaches to provide access to resources, programs, and healthcare services to better management of obesity other chronic diseases within their employees and health plan members. 

Employers have a unique opportunity and in some cases are being forced to invest more resources into having safe and healthy workplaces, promote positive remote working environments, and more resources for mental and behavioral health. Employers should work toward offering a more comprehensive approach which includes access to a variety of options for weight loss and condition management programs and services is a must. It is an employer’s corporate responsibility and fiducial responsibility to provide meaningful and comprehensive employee benefits for all employees. Take the first step to building a comprehensive strategy using the EPIC Obesity Program Checklist.