Colorado has long been known as one of the healthiest states in the country.

A culture of outdoor recreation along with plenty of food-conscious residents probably helps keep the Centennial State in better shape than most of its other 49 siblings.

But the lowest obesity rate in the country still isn’t that good, considering that the country in question is the United States. And of course, there are a plethora of other health issues linked to lack of medical care and alcohol or drug abuse that those in charge of the state’s public health agencies know are all too prevalent.

In an ostensible attempt to lower its own health care costs and to set an example to the broader state citizenry, the Colorado state government began an initiative three years ago to “make Colorado the healthiest state.” It partnered with Welltok, a Denver-based company that credits itself as the “developer of the health care industry’s first consumer enterprise platform.”

The platform offers personalized health recommendations as well as financial rewards for achieving physical fitness or other health goals.

On Wednesday, Welltok released a survey of state employees who participated in the wellness program offered through its platform. The results, it says, show that the program has made workers healthier.

Among the highlights from the survey:

88 percent say they found the wellness program valuable.

71 percent believe their health has improved since joining the program.

41 percent say they feel less stressed as a result.

38 percent say they have lost weight.

77 percent feel better-educated on their health.

38 percent feel better-informed about their benefits.

Calling the program a major success, Welltok announced on Wednesday that it was rolling out a second phase in which it will offer incentives to employees for getting flu shots or preventative screenings.

Colorado “embraced the opportunity to provide a flexible program that encourages health optimization and education for all employees through a variety of incentives,” said Welltok co-founder Scott Rotermund, in a statement. “They set the standard, and we’re here to help the entire nation reach it.”

The effectiveness of wellness programs has been a subject of increasingly intense debate.

Critics say there is no proof that employer-sponsored programs that encourage healthy behaviors, such as exercise, produce a financial benefit for the employer.

Wellness proponents have increasingly shifted the emphasis away from return on investment. Instead, they say the goal of such programs should be to increase employee engagement and create bonds in the workplace.

Instant Insights /

Colorado works to keep state employees healthiest in nation

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