Employers Want Waistlines Downsized

By George Anderson

Companies including Pepsico and General Mills have joined in a campaign to
get overweight employees to shed some pounds, according to a report in The
New York Times.

The companies estimate weight-related costs add approximately $12 billion a
year to employer expenses in the form of medical costs, insurance premiums,
absenteeism and productivity.

Dr. Vince Kerr, director of health care management, Ford Motor Company said,
“Obesity is becoming as large a factor as tobacco once was.”

Moderator’s Comment: How big a drag on profits do you
believe obesity is to retail operators? Should retailers be allowed to require
employees to meet physical standards for employment?
[George
Anderson – Moderator]

• Employers
  Plan Obesity Fight, Citing $12 Billion-a-Year Cost – The New York Times