We hear all the time about how obese children are these days. Seems like we get a new study or set of stats every month talking about how many pounds they're putting on.
All you really need to know, though, is that in 1976, 5 percent of America's children could be considered obese. Today, that number is closer to 20 percent.
But what does get overlooked are the increased health risks of parents with young children. A new American Academy of Pediatrics study reveals parents – especially mothers – of young children tend to be more overweight than those without children at all.
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So how does all this affect you? Well, you don't need me to tell you that stressed-out parents are less productive. Or that the health care utilization rate skyrockets in direct correlation to the expanding average weight of your risk pool. Or that kids with diabetes are always going to push up plan premiums.
Or do you?
Employers that address worker needs proactively tend to get better results. Besides, a dollar spent on prevention – whether its on-site child care, a more vocal wellness campaign or even something as simple as healthier on-site vending machine options – saves hundreds later.
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